A New York-based grassroots effort launched to help nursing homes and their residents cope during the coronavirus pandemic has been able to send gifts to nearly 60 facilities nationwide with the help of strangers.  

“I am truly humbled and honored by the generosity, creativity and acts of kindness complete strangers will do for others, especially during such a difficult time for all,” The Tulip Project founder Meghan Regan said. 

Based in Albany, NY, Regan launched the Tulip Project in April with hopes of providing cheer and encouragement to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The effort was founded following the implementation of federal regulations that placed restrictions on visitors and communal events at facilities in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Regan reached out to the community and asked people to create cards, crafts and pictures, and write letters for residents “with the goal of bringing a smile to their faces and joy into their hearts.” 

“Love, generosity and charity will continue to bloom and grow as we navigate through these trying times together,” Regan wrote when the project first launched. “Our hope is to start with one nursing home and expand our reach to many others in the area.”

The group has done just that. Since April, it’s been able to reach 56 nursing homes and more than 2,500 residents nationwide. Donations have come from across the country and have included quilts, handmade shawls and rosaries. 

The project has turned its sights to the year-end holiday season. It’s hoping to “shower” several local facilities with holiday decor, and deliver gift boxes to nursing homes in every state. 

There should be plenty of happy residents this holiday season, thanks to them.