Reducing Loneliness During The Holidays
December 7, 2020
For those who are isolated from friends and family, the holidays can be a challenging time. Covid-19 is already exacerbating this problem, particularly for older and other at-risk people who have been in isolation since March. Fortunately, our grantees are stepping up and providing intergenerational connection, support, and a little joy to those they serve this holiday season. Here are just a few examples:
In addition to delivering food for Thanksgiving to older residents in their community, KYCC also invited older adults to help decorate the preschool parking lot in advance of a drive-through event. An older volunteer is also remotely leading a holiday card-making activity with participants in their youth programs.
ONEgeneration is continuing their annual Project SHARE, similar to an “Adopt a Senior” program. Members in the community will receive profiles for seniors in need and will purchase gift for them including basic household items. In addition, their Adult Day Care & Senior Enrichment Center will be handing out holiday cards made by local children, including the children in the ONEgeneration Preschool program. Homemade cards will be delivered with each holiday meal that the seniors will receive.
At the Bresee Foundation, they’re also doing an Adopt A Family program. Older adults will also be included in their Turkey Giveaway and Navidad en el Barrio events, which includes “food distribution with a holiday flair.” Finally, Bresee staff and students will be writing and sending Christmas cards to a couple of senior living homes in the Bresee area, along with gifts of art supplies.
Are you doing intergenerational holiday activities? Let us know!