COLUMBUS — A woman in central Ohio threw a holiday party for seniors like no other, inviting dancers, Santa and even Elsa to join in on the fun. 

What You Need To Know

  • For many people, the holiday season can be full of love, laughter and joy

  • But for some people, especially seniors, it can be a time of loneliness 

  • A woman in central Ohio knows the feeling firsthand 

  • She’s working to spread some holiday cheer

“I loved seeing their faces as we were planning,” said Norma Coreas, the assistant business office manager at Mayfair Village, a nursing and rehabilitation center. “They were dancing in the hallways listening to Christmas music and decorating the place. It was so much fun.”

Norma Coreas (R) and staff of Mayfair Village pose with Santa (Spectrum News 1/Taylor Bruck)

With the help of donations from many vendors in the community and people volunteering their time, Coreas hosted her first-ever “Adopt a Grandparent” event. She invited kids from the community to spread some love to their elders.

“That was really nice because it makes people happy, said Missy Dwane, a resident of Mayfield Village. “The dancers were my favorite part.”

Norma Coreas with her grandma. (Norma Coreas)

Coreas said Christmas has always been her favorite holiday, but ever since 2020, it hasn’t felt very cheery. 

That’s when her grandma, whom she loved very much, passed away. But the residents at Mayfair Village stepped up and helped her through a really tough time. She said the residents have become part of her family.  

“Since I lost my grandma and I came here, they have been awesome, they've been like my grandparents,” Coreas said. I cannot thank them enough for what they did for me. I don't think they realize actually what they have done for me. So I want to do something back for them. And I hope to do this every year for them.”

The event was just one way to return the favor. The holiday season isn’t always a happy season for all. Coreas said some residents at Mayfair Village don’t have visitors or receive presents. 

Missy Dwane (L) with Lance Line (R), residents of Mayfair Village, (Spectrum News 1/Taylor Bruck)

“Nobody should feel lonely and everyone should get presents and just be happy,” Coreas said. 

Coreas is harnessing the spirit of her grandma and keeping the gift of giving alive. She wants to make the residents' last days, months, or even years as special as possible. 

“And my grandma, this is our holiday, we decorated the house, we would go donate, we would do so much and give back to the community for the holidays,” Coreas said. “That's how we were raised.”

This holiday season Coreas is encouraging everyone to visit their elders and give them a call as you never know what it could mean to them. She’s reminding us that at every stage of life, we all still need love. 

“I just want to keep her memory alive and follow what she taught us and keep it going,” Coreas said.