GAHANNA, Ohio — The holidays can be a lonely time for seniors, many who don't have family or friends around, but especially so this year being isolated. That’s why Stephanie Rucinski decided to act.
What You Need To Know
- Stephanie Rucinski is sending Christmas cards to all residents at the Laurels in Gahanna that want them
- Idea started when she met a resident with no family
- Trying to spread joy to residents who are feeling isolated due to the pandemic
“A friend from college actually suggested, ‘Hey, you could always send a Christmas card to everyone at the nursing home,’ and so I thought that’s a really good idea,” said Rucinski.
Rucinski said she used to volunteer at the Laurels in Gahanna. That’s when she met Norma, an elderly woman with no family.
“She said, ‘You know, all I want is a Christmas card because my door is bare and everyone else has Christmas cards on their door,’” Rucinski said.
Rucinski ended up sending Norma 12 Christmas cards that year — an act of kindness she wanted to continue this year, with some of those living in nursing homes are isolated because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I think everyone needs a little bit of connection,” she said.
Many of those around her agreed. She’s had many volunteers send cards to everyone at the Laurels who want one.
“It’s so fun to watch this little seed of nothing grow into this bigger thing,” she said.