Holiday Outreach for Seniors at Alaris Health

A Heartwarming Tradition with UNIFFIED New Jersey

As the holiday season filled the air with warmth and cheer, UNIFFIED New Jersey once again carried forward its annual holiday outreach for seniors at Alaris Health. Now in its third year, this cherished tradition continues to bring comfort, joy, and meaningful connection to more than 50 senior residents through thoughtful gifts, music, and shared moments. 

This year’s outreach was held on December 20, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

Spreading Warmth and Comfort 

One of the highlights of this year’s outreach was the distribution of winter essentials to help keep our seniors warm during the colder months. Each item was selected with care and intention, including: 

● Cozy pajamas for comfort and restful nights 

● Scarves and beanies for warmth and style 

● Gloves to keep hands protected from the cold 

These simple yet meaningful gifts served not only a practical purpose, but also carried our heartfelt wishes for a warm, safe, and joyful holiday season. 

A Melodic Celebration 

Music has a special way of uplifting spirits, and this year, UNIFFIED NJ was delighted to include Christmas caroling as part of the outreach. Volunteers sang beloved holiday classics and encouraged seniors to sing along, creating an atmosphere filled with joy, nostalgia, and togetherness. 

Some of the songs shared included: 

● Jingle Bells 

● Silent Night 

● Joy to the World 

● Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit / Kasadya Ning Taknaa 

● Pasko Na Naman 

As the music played, seniors shared their favorite holiday memories and stories, filling the room with laughter and warmth. Adding to the festive spirit, UNIFFIED NJ Co-founder Dr. Ronie Mataquel delighted everyone by taking on the role of Santa Claus during the gift-giving.

Building Lasting Connections 

Over the past three years, this outreach has grown into a beloved tradition not only for the seniors, but also for UNIFFIED NJ volunteers. Each visit strengthens intergenerational bonds and reinforces the value of compassion, presence, and human connection. 

These shared moments remind us that service is not only about giving, but also about listening, learning, and being present for one another. 

Gratitude and Looking Ahead 

UNIFFIED NJ extends its deepest gratitude to the ever-supportive couple Chris and Melot Grimyser, whose generosity and dedication have been instrumental in making this initiative possible. We also sincerely thank the UNIFFIED NJ members and officers who volunteered their time and heart: 

● Dr. Helen Maasin, Vice President for Development 

● Nolly Ceballos, Business Manager 

● Maria Cristina Felizarta, Assistant Treasurer 

● Elena Bahian, Public Relations Officer 

● Marilyn Emperado, Board of Director 

● Edna Tiernan, Past Auditor 

● Nitz Agulto 

● Teddy Agulto 

Special appreciation is also extended to Gim Soriano, Director of Alaris Health, and her dedicated staff for welcoming UNIFFIED NJ and providing the opportunity to serve their residents. 

Moving Forward 

UNIFFIED NJ’s holiday outreach is more than a seasonal event. It is a celebration of life, love, and community. As we look ahead, we remain committed to continuing this tradition and expanding our efforts to uplift those who have given so much to our communities. 

We look forward to another meaningful collaboration in 2026, and to many more years of bringing warmth, joy, and smiles to our cherished seniors.