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Volunteers brighten Christmas for lonely seniors with handwritten wishes

A paper star on a tree could change a senior’s Christmas. Volunteers are turning small wishes into moments of connection—and it’s spreading fast.

There are persons in different color dresses. Some of them are holding placards. On the right side,...
There are persons in different color dresses. Some of them are holding placards. On the right side, there is an iron fence. In the background, there is a building which is having glass windows, there is a light, there is a hoarding and there is a Christmas tree.

Volunteers brighten Christmas for lonely seniors with handwritten wishes

A heartwarming initiative, 'Make a Wish Come True', is bringing joy to lonely older people this Christmas. Residents in care homes are writing their wishes on paper stars, which volunteers can 'pluck' from Christmas trees starting December 1. This year, Manfred Hendricks is leading the project, which is expanding to include more facilities.

The initiative, known as 'Wunsch erfüllen', encourages volunteers to take the wishes with them, not just photograph them. Juli Voth started the Seniors' Wish Tree action, which has now grown to include the St. Josef nursing home in Anrath, alongside Moosheide and Hubertusstift. The wishes are simple and easy to fulfill, such as shared activities like walks, board games, reading, or coffee. Both residents and volunteers find these interactions bring smiles and warmth during the festive season.

The 'Make a Wish Come True' initiative is a beautiful example of community spirit. By fulfilling simple wishes, volunteers are giving lonely older people the gift of time and companionship this Christmas. This year, under Manfred Hendricks' leadership, the project is expanding to reach more residents, spreading joy and connection across multiple care homes.

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