January 6, 2017 (Mt. Airy, NC) ─ Several area youth choirs have been upholding a festive tradition of sharing the gift of Christmas carols with the residents of Twelve Oaks, a DePaul Senior Living Community in Mt. Airy. Fourth and fifth graders from Cedar Ridge and White Plains Elementary School choirs have been brightening the holidays at Twelve Oaks with their singing talents the past several years!

Pictured above are Cedar Ridge choir members Grace Wood, Sarah Sutphin, Reece Nisten, Callie Robertson, Kera Pack, Gracie Waid, Gracie Goings and Hayley Baker with Twelve Oaks resident Bobby Thomas, as well as Cassidy Simmons with Twelve Oaks resident Lillian Gunnell.

Twelve Oaks Activities Director Anna Burford said she and the residents cherish time with these young volunteers.

“There’s nothing that compares to seeing the look on a resident’s face when a volunteer comes in and spends time with them,” she said. “It’s like the whole room lights up; it really touches your heart.”

Pictured here are Cedar Ridge choir members Kaylee Edwards, McKaylie Riffe, Gracie Goings, Jade Evans on top and Hayley Baker with Twelve Oaks resident Marie Simpson as well as resident Brenda Edmonds with choir member Hayla Smith.

Choir director LuAnn Edwards said the youth get more out of the experience than the residents!

“They see these residents like their grandmas and grandpas,” said Edwards. “I’ve had them come out crying, and they are so touched by being able to speak and shake their hands and just take their picture with them. It shows them that there’s more people in this world than just them. It’s one of the reasons the children join the choir, they just love spending time with the seniors!”

For more information about Twelve Oaks, please contact Administrator Penny Haynes at (336) 786-1130 or visit us on Facebook.