There are people in our community who will spend this Easter the same way they spend most days… quietly, and often alone.

Residents in local assisted living facilities, like Seneca Manor, many without family, many without visitors, many without anyone to remind them they are still seen.

That’s where West Seneca Cares comes in.

Since 2017, Beverly Leising has made it her mission to make sure these seniors are never forgotten. Each year, she personally gathers wishlists from residents who have no one. Not general gifts, not random donations… specific requests.

A snack they love

A book to pass the time

A warm blanket to hold onto

Something small that reminds them they matter

Then she gets to work.

She collects donations, shops for every item, wraps every gift, and makes sure each one is delivered.

In past years, even through COVID, when volunteers could not gather, Beverly and her family still made it happen. Every resident received gifts. Every single one.

But this year is different.

Due to limited funds, some of these seniors may go without this Easter.

No basket

No visit

No reminder that someone cares

And that is not acceptable.

So I have started this GoFundMe to support West Seneca Cares and Beverly’s mission.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward fulfilling the wishlists of seniors who would otherwise be forgotten.

This is not about charity.

It is about dignity.

It is about showing up for people who no longer have anyone showing up for them.

And let’s not stop at Easter.

Let’s raise enough so Beverly can carry out this mission year round. So no senior is forgotten on any holiday, any season, any day.

If one person can dedicate her life to making sure strangers feel remembered, we can come together to make sure she never has to do it alone.

Let’s make sure no one goes without.