Gifts from the Heart
Local Students Bring Christmas Cheer to the Elderly
Ellen Keaton
The Ashland Beacon
Christmas is a time for families, laughter, and spreading joy—but for many elderly residents, the holidays can feel lonely and overlooked. This year, the students and teachers at Ashland Blazer High School decided to change that, creating a special day of cheer and warmth for the residents of Morning Pointe.
Under the leadership of Kourtney Heineman and Heather Coleman, the event came together with a little bit of Christmas “magic.” Kourtney shared, “Cheri Daniels, whose mother is a resident at Morning Pointe, reached out to the school asking if we could do something special to give the residents a memorable holiday experience. Our youth services center director sent an email to the teachers, asking if any clubs would like to get involved. I oversee the Pep Club and Environmental Club, so I followed up with another email and said... let’s get involved!”
The response was overwhelming. In no time, multiple student groups rallied to bring holiday cheer to the residents. The Chamber Choir serenaded everyone with festive carols, while a string quartet from the orchestra played soothing melodies. The Drama Club transformed into Santa, his elves, and even the Grinch. Other clubs chipped in with stocking stuffers, and the Culinary Club baked a tray of delicious cookies to share.
Heather added, “Each club decided what they would contribute to the stockings. We included fuzzy socks, lotions, puzzle books—simple things to make the residents feel special. Every resident received a stocking from Santa and his helpers.”
The commons room buzzed with excitement as residents and students joined in for a friendly game of Bingo, complete with prizes for the winners. One standout was Jackson Rutt, a member of the French Club, who was dressed as Frosty the Snowman—complete with top hat and scarf. He said, “We’re just here to spread holiday cheer to those who need it most.”
For residents who couldn’t join the festivities in the common area, Santa, his elves, and the Grinch took a personal approach, visiting rooms to spread more joy. Kourtney Heineman recalled, “One of the workers would knock on the door and say they had a visitor. When we walked in, their faces just lit up. Some of the students had never been to a nursing home, or didn’t have grandparents in one, and they were so moved by the reactions of the residents. It was a rewarding experience—for the residents, but also for us.”
I caught up with Santa and his elves to hear what the day meant to them. LaBryant Strader said, “I really enjoyed getting to bring some holiday cheer to everyone today.” Kenleigh Woods echoed, “It’s awesome seeing everyone smile and knowing we made their day better.” James Saltz, who played Santa, shared a personal connection to the event: “Before my great grandma passed away, she lived in an assisted living home for several years. Being here today means a lot to me—it feels good to brighten their day.”
For more than an hour, the room was filled with laughter, music, and the sounds of the season. Tina Winters, the Executive Director of Morning Pointe, couldn’t hide her joy. “There’s no other word for it but heartfelt, heartwarming, amazing. These high school students have been so welcoming to our residents. They sat down with them as if they had known them forever. It’s been truly special.”
Tina also invited others to join in and help enrich the lives of the residents: “We welcome anyone who wants to come in—whether it’s for Bingo, one-on-one visits, crafts, or singing. Any activity that brings joy is always appreciated.”
Reflecting on the day, Kourtney Heineman shared, “When Cheri Daniels reached out to see if we’d be interested in spending time with the residents at Morning Pointe, we jumped at the opportunity. What started as a small project to fill stockings turned into a day we will never forget. Getting to spend time with my students and the residents was the Christmas gift I didn’t know I needed. Seeing the students interact with the residents—playing games, singing, and sharing stories—will be one of my favorite memories from my time at Blazer. We’re looking forward to spending more time at Morning Pointe and hopefully expanding to other nursing homes in the area.”
As we approach the season of giving, it's clear that the most meaningful moments don't always come from grand gestures or flashy productions. Sometimes, it’s the simple things—a kind word, a smile, or a shared memory—that embody the true spirit of Christmas. This holiday season, Ashland Blazer High School students proved that the best gifts are often the ones we give from the heart.