“They’re the forgotten ones,” seniors celebrate Christmas at Cedar Hills

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Residents of the cedar hills care center had some special visitors today.

56 people received Christmas presents from businesses and organizations. There was also visitors for the residents with special guests including: Santa, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy.

The event has been going on for the last three years.

Jamie Crozier coordinated the event and she says it’s something residents can look forward to during the holidays.

“It means everything. When we first started, this is our third year, the first year we took names that they didn’t have any family. That’s what I wanted. I called and I said I want some residents that don’t have anybody that visits them, that don’t get spoiled. That just, you know, need some love. And that’s how it started and then it grew to what we have now. Last year, we took a gentleman and he remembered and so he asked Sandy, the director here of activities if the blonde girl was going to bring him Christmas gifts this year.”

Crozier says she started the event after finding out some seniors have no families or visitors.

“They’re the forgotten ones. I mean, truly. People, every kid deserves something but so does the seniors, you know? They just want to know that — that people — they’re lonely. And they just want to know somebody out there loves them and cares enough to shop and make their day.”

She says she will be donating other items to other senior living centers later this week.