Write a commentOn Saturday, over a dozen children headed to The Manor at Seneca Hill on a holiday mission.
Led by Tiffany Gilles, the kids performed dance routines for the residents and presented each one with a wrapped gift for the holidays. Gills is a social worker at the nursing home, as well as a dance teacher at Off Broadway Dance Center. Many of the children are also students at Off Broadway.
In the words of Ms. Gilles, the experience “was pure Christmas magic.”
The visit was filled with authentic joy, generosity, and connection. “Watching them interact, laugh and connect with every resident restored our faith in this generation,” Gilles said. “These kids reminded us what the season is really about.”
The performers ranged in age from toddlers to teenagers, and included Ms. Gilles’ own children among their ranks.
The project began simply—Gilles was hoping to spread extra love to the nursing home residents, as many of them don’t have family nearby. Shortly before Thanksgiving, she put out an ask on her social media to friends and family for donations to purchase gifts for nursing home residents. On top of donations, there were also multiple offers of helping hands to volunteer with the project.
As support came rolling in, Gilles organized the children, the dance routines, and the gifts. “The kids wrapped everything personally,” Gilles told iHeart Oswego. “They worked so hard and made it really special.”
We believe it—thank you to Ms. Gilles and all of the performers for showcasing the Christmas spirit and spreading joy this holiday season!
The Manor at Seneca Hill is located off 481 in Volney and has 120 licensed beds, according to their website. For more information about the nursing home, call 315-349-5300 during regular business hours.
For more information about Off Broadway Dance Center, visit their Facebook page.
