Spreading the Christmas spirit

Corwin, who is a cognitive specialist with clients at Gordon Manor, an assisted living facility, also told its staff about her plans, which were published in a newsletter to residents’ families. Before long, two large barrels were filled with donations. Several local companies pitched in as well.

They’ve collected 353 pairs of socks, 52 scarves for men and women, hats, gloves, dental floss and jewelry, much of which is brand new. Corwin heard those items specifically, with the exception of jewelry, were needed most.

“I wanted the girls to also have some bling,” she said.

Gordon Manor residents and staff helped Corwin sew 100 stockings, which will also be filled with packaged nuts, fruit, candy and other snacks as well as wine donated by Jessie’s Grove winery in Lodi.

“I’ve found if I want to be happy I have to be of service,” Corwin said. “About 2,300 elders lost their assisted living and memory care facilities in Paradise and that’s who I’m targeting.”

On the morning of Christmas Eve, Corwin will pack her car and drive up to Paradise with her wife, Susanne Reiner-Lyon, son Sean Lyon and dog.

“She came up with such a great idea and I said ‘yes anything I can do to help.’ And I wanted to do something more than the $20 Red Cross donation, which is still great,” Reiner-Lyon said. “It was so painful to see the images and to know people are being displaced. It’s all about taking care of our neighbors and making sure they have a little more fun and a little more of the spirit of the holidays.”

Corwin knows someone who was part of the firefighting effort in Paradise. He’s going to host them and take them to a church and several locations housing displaced elders on both Christmas Eve and Christmas.

“We were mortified by the disaster but it’s great to be able to step up and help as a community,” said Alisa Mallari Tu, an administrator at Gordon Manor. “The power of community is remarkable and we’re a community of people ill with dementia so it’s not your regular community, but our community and the people who care about them can be in solidarity with [the displaced residents of Paradise] and give them something when they don’t have anything.”

Corwin said Gordon Manor staff and residents helped sew stockings for over two hours.

“That’s pretty good for someone with Alzheimer’s,” Corwin said. “They were pretty shocked that they could remember how to sew, it’s pretty special. It’s a good cognitive activity for them, it helps hand-eye coordination and motor skills. I’m inspired and going to start a sewing class in January.”

Corwin next year plans to start a nonprofit tentatively called “Gifts for Grannies” or “Gifts for and From Grannies.”

zachary@smdailyjournal.com

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