CHINA SPRING, TX — After a hard year in 2020, many residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities had to go without seeing loved ones and guests during the pandemic.
“2020 was just a rough year, especially for our senior adults. Many of them were isolated," Stoney Brook Executive Director Melanie Crain said. "Yes, we are at point where some essential care givers can visit, but they are not able to get out and see their grandchildren and stuff.”
For Valentine’s Day, Maegan Winberg and Autumn Outlaw wanted to bring the holiday to them.
So, they provided paper and crafting supplies for students to hand make cards for seniors in the area.
“Me and Autumn were sorting through them yesterday, and I think we took a little bit longer because we were reading through some of the sweet comments,” said Comfort Keepers Care Coordinator, Maegan Wenberg.
“As we pulled the cards out there were stacks and stacks," Hospice Educator at Bluebonnet Health Services Autumn Outlaw said. "There was such much love and detail on the cards. Some classes had a theme, and then some kids just went with there imagination.”
On Tuesday, 750 colorful cards with personalized messages from China Spring ISD students were delivered to local nursing homes and senior living facilities across Waco, and the smiles on everyone’s faces said it all.
“It said ‘Dear Elder, I hope you finished your bucket list.’ It’s just so great to see how kid’s minds work," said Elder. "But you know they had the best intentions for it, and it’s just so sweet.”
“To see the residents look at the card and be like, ‘Oh, somebody made this for me? Somebody was thinking of me?' It just warms my heart,” said Outlaw.
Some cards had misspellings. Some of them were filled with stickers and glitter.
But all the cards were made with the most important thing: love.
