By COLlive reporter
When times get tough, even the smallest act of kindness can create a big response.
This sentiment is exactly what a new program “Adopt a Grandparent” is tried to achieve for the seniors in a Brooklyn assisted living center.
A local balloon company, Balloon Van Gogh, took the initiative to deliver smiles and joy to some of the loneliest people, the seniors living in long-term care facilities who are still experiencing isolation since the beginning of the pandemic.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Dvorah Leah Jacobson, owner of Balloon Van Gogh. “Some seniors have not had a visitor, been able to see or hug their loved ones in a year.”
Through the generosity of people joining the Adopt-A-Grandparent campaign, Jacobson and her team created “Balloon Buddies” that were handed out to seniors in the facilities through the month of Adar.
The cost to adopt a grandparent was $18 and people were able to adopt as many residents as they want. “In these crazy times, it’s an affordable way for anyone to send love, a hug to people not getting anything this Purim,” said Jacobson.
As the seniors were “adopted,” Balloon Van Gogh created the balloon buddies and distributed them to the residents, one floor at a time.
“The response has been really amazing,” she said. “My favorite part of being in the balloon industry is that I am constantly bringing joy to so many. But this is a whole new level of lifting people’s spirits, even if it’s just for a moment.”
Jacobson first delivered Balloon Buddies to the residents of the Boro Park Center. “You could tell they were smiling underneath their masks and there was joy in their eyes,” said Raizy Pavlov, Director of Recreation for the Boro Park Center. “They are touched that someone came to brighten their day and are just excited to get something bright and colorful like that.”
The crew at Balloon Van Gogh delivered the bulk of the Balloon Buddies on Erev Purim and concluded the campaign at the end of Chodesh Adar.
You can see Balloon Van Gogh’s work at https://www.instagram.com/balloonvangogh/
This is the cutest and sweetest gesture towards the elderly who have been so isolated and alone during the pandemic.
May Hashem give you much success in your balloon business and may you always merit to bring joy into the world🎈
what a thoughtful idea, from a fine fine heart!!! I’m sure knowing that others are thinking of them is irreplaceable at this time. Devorah Leah Jacobson and team, all of the brachos to you!!
So sweet!!