Memory care residents comfort victims of Hurricane Harvey

When residents heard about Hurricane Harvey, they worried about the children.

So, memory care residents at Alpha Senior Concepts in Suamico, Wisconsin, rolled up their sleeves and put on their elf hats to help.

They made bracelets in bright colors, stuffed animal fish and dolls with pigtails. One doll with red hair had a note attached that read, “Hi, My Name is Aggie. Made Just for You! I Need a Home and Hugs. From Alpha Senior Concepts, Suamico, WI.”

“They just had such compassion for those families that lost everything,” said Corine Larson, Life Enrichment Director at Alpha Senior Concepts, to WBAY. “People, when they come in to a facility, by that time in their life, they understand loss.”

Larson says there were 10-12 residents involved, including a man who had lost his vision. They learned new skills and together made many toys.

“We just started making one thing and another and pretty soon we were making more and more, and it got to be fun,” said Agnes Kinville, who also helped make toys. “We created beautiful, beautiful things. It was really heartwarming.”

A local church will deliver the toys to children Thanksgiving week. 

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.