Reported by Alissa Wu
As 2020 ends, a second wave of COVID has arrived, resulting in increased social distancing and dependence on the internet, both of which have disproportionately affected senior centers. Senior centers have tightened restrictions on visitors to avoid transmission; with the difficulty in setting up calls and the lack of in-person interactions, our seniors are feeling the brunt of this new social isolation.
From December 2nd to December 20th, AYLUS members came together to ease this issue. They donated face masks, hand sanitizer, soap, and more PPE. They also donated snacks like chips and fruit bowls. Many wrote holiday cards to wish the seniors happy holidays, to bring the warmth of human interaction during this holiday season to them in the best way possible.
Although COVID has distanced us all, we can find alternative methods to stay connected. We may not wish them a cheerful holiday season in person, but we should always do the best we can to help others through hard times. AYLUS hopes that this “Holidays to Seniors” initiative will make the holiday season in senior centers a lot more cheerful!
Donations from: Alissa Wu, Anthony F. Yang, Fengqi Wen, Steven Li, Cassie Tammy Wang, Audrey Wang, Natalie Clark, Anna Pierson, Steven Samame (12/19, 1 hr), Dawson Lin, Annie Miao, Amber Yu, Fangyi Chen, Cici Yang, Vivien Yang, Melanie Chen, Winnie Chen, Donna Nagorny, Xinyi Christine Zhang, Lana Cheng, Rachel Liu, Sarah Yan, Erick Yan, Samuel Xiangcheng Ying, Andrew Bao, Anna Bao, Gina Shen, Elizabeth Ma, Phyllis Liu, Cosner Yang (12/20, 1 hr), Catherine Feng (12/20, 1 hr).
On December 20th, volunteers sent these donations to Brookdale Senior Living Center (600 Auten RD, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844).
Participants (12/20, 3 hrs for all): Alissa Wu, Cassie Tammy Wang, Anthony F. Yang, Xin Chen, Ethan Xie, Audrey Wang, Donna Nagorny, Elizabeth Ma, Steven Li.
