This Christmas, my 13 year old daughter, Aria, and I took part in a special charity project through Serving Our Seniors (SOS) and Charities2Love (C2L). It’s a program that helps bring joy to senior citizens who may be struggling or feeling isolated. The idea was simple but impactful: pick up a Christmas gift basket and fulfill a senior citizen’s holiday wishes. Little did I know, this experience would deeply touch our hearts and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Scheduling with our Senior

The senior we were matched with was a woman named Marynell. She had recently lost her husband, who had suffered from Alzheimer’s, and had been his primary caregiver during his final years. Despite this recent loss, Marynell seemed to be in good spirits when I called her on the phone to schedule a time to visit her, and she was open to having visitors—though, I admit, I wasn’t sure how she would feel about company. Still, I knew that we were going to do our best to bring her some holiday cheer and hopefully lift her spirits.

When I arrived at Maitry’s home the week before our sscheduled visit to pick up the gifts that had been carefully chosen and wrapped by C2L, I felt a sense of purpose. I was excited, but I was also a bit nervous. I wanted to be sure we were bringing comfort to Marynell, not intrusion.

Delivering our “Basket of Cheer” and Gifts

On the day of our visit, Aria and I wore our adorable Charities2Love T-shirts, ready to brighten Marynell’s day. Aria was curious about Marynell and on the way over to her house, I did my best to explain how special this visit would be—especially for someone who had just lost her partner. We arrived at her home, a small but charming house with a yard that could use a little attention. It reminded me of my childhood neighborhood, with its cozy, single-story houses and quiet streets.

Marynell greeted us at the door, and I was immediately at ease. She was warm, welcoming, and full of life despite the challenges she’d faced. She ushered us into her kitchen where we placed the beautiful gifts we had brought. Marynell’s face lit up as she saw the wrapped packages. It was clear how much she appreciated the thoughtfulness behind the gifts, and her joy was contagious.

Getting to Know One Another

As we chatted, Marynell shared stories of her life. She showed us photos of her large family—six children and a whopping 23 grandchildren! Aria and I were both amazed and a little envious of her big, lively family. Marynell’s husband, who had passed away recently, was also a big part of the conversation. She shared pictures from their wedding and recounted fond memories of their life together.

Though Marynell had been through immense hardship—caregiving for her husband during his final years—she was surprisingly upbeat. Her faith in God, she told us, had been a source of strength, and it was clear she had an unwavering sense of duty toward her marriage vows. Her patience and devotion to her husband were truly inspiring, and it made me reflect on my own marriage. I couldn’t help but tell her how much her words had touched me.

We spent about an hour at her home, chatting, laughing, and getting to know one another. Marynell even took the time to talk to Aria about school, hobbies, and volleyball, making my daughter feel like one of her own grandchildren. The warmth and positivity in the room were undeniable.

Spending Time is the True Gift

Before we left, we took some fun selfies together. Marynell, ever the perfectionist, insisted we only take photos of her “good side” because of a recent fall that had left a bruise on the right side of her face. We all laughed about it, and the photos we took became a cherished memory of our time with her.

As we said our goodbyes, I promised Marynell that we would stay in touch and that she could reach out to me if she ever needed anything. I was so grateful for the opportunity to meet such a strong, resilient woman, and I’m sure this experience will stay with Aria and me for a long time.

Simple Acts of Kindness are Long Lasting

I’m already addressing a Christmas card to Marynell, and looking forward to the next time we can visit her. This project reminded me how much a simple act of kindness can mean to someone who’s going through tough times. It also gave Aria a chance to see the world from someone else’s perspective and to develop compassion for others. It was a beautiful way to spend time together, and I hope it’s an experience we’ll both carry with us into the New Year.