Newark-area seniors enjoy special visits

HEATH — Nathan Stanson wanted to do something nice for somebody else this holiday season.

The 19-year-old Johnstown resident initially thought about charities for kids, but figured that many other like-minded citizens already had filled volunteer slots at the groups he contacted that serve youth.

So Stanson flipped to the other end of the age spectrum.

On Thursday, he and 20 or so high school and college friends and acquaintances launched the first of three days of visits to Newarkarea nursing homes.

Armed only with Christmas cards and their time, they became surrogate

grandkids to the nearly 140 people who live at the Heath Nursing Care Center.

“There’s a ton of people who are just forgotten about,” he said, adding that for some residents, “everything that’s good about Christmas — your friends,

your family, the food, good atmosphere — none of that’s here.”

It’s that time of year when church and civic groups and others make extra efforts to spread yuletide cheer to those who are less fortunate. They sing carols, they bake cookies, they drop off presents and special meals.

And they visit people who otherwise would be alone

during the holidays.

“Some have family, some don’t,” said Edna Frey, activity director at the Heath center. “We try to provide a Christmas package for every resident when they wake up Christmas morning. But most of all, they love seeing people, kids, animals.”

Enter Stanson, who used social media and texts to recruit dozens of young

people for care-center visits. About 50 are participating.

On Thursday, they walked through Heath Nursing Care, knocking on doors, handing out cards and stopping to spend time with anyone who wanted to chat.

“We might be the only people who these people are going to see,” said Ryan Stanson, 24, an Ohio State University communications student and Nathan’s brother.

Griffen Moore, 19, of Newark, added, “Not a lot of people probably get visited during this week. That’s really sad. I figured if we could do something just to brighten the day, even if it’s just one person, I think it’s worth it.”