Woman Decorates Backyard Facing Assisted Living Facility With Christmas Lights

Although the holidays are a joyful time for many, for others, it can be a season of loneliness. A woman in Collinsville brought cheer to an assisted living facility for the folks who may feel a little down during Christmas.

"I was a cheerleader, basketball, softball, all the things, junior and senior play," said Carrol Scott as she looked back on years in school.

"My father was in the Air Force, so we moved 14 times in 12 years," Mary Moore said when remembering her childhood. 

These ladies lived great moments; they now only get to remember.

"It was a great time and good memories," Scott said. 

Scott has lived at the North County Assisted Living Facility for five years.

"Known a lot of people who have come and gone, sadly," she said.

She said it can get lonely, especially around the holidays.

"We know we're in final years, our final address many of us."

Although one woman had never heard their life stories, she had the heart to make a difference in the lives of strangers.

"How can you keep from being happy, or joyful, or whatever you want to say, when you look out at something that beautiful and know that there's a neighbor that does that just for you," Moore said. 

The neighbor set up all sorts of decorations in her backyard, which faced the assisted living facility. Resident Mary Moore and her husband were lucky with a patio that directly faces the display.

"We get up early enough, I can still see the lights, and it just makes the day really to see these beautiful lights out there," she said. 

The woman behind the lights said it's easy for folks in these places to get overlooked, and she just wanted to help lift their spirits during the holiday season.

"It's just like they did that because they wanted us to feel good and just knowing that somebody is thinking about us. It's just wonderful," said Moore. 

And while the secret Santa would like to stay anonymous, the residents had something they wanted to say to her.

"Thank you. Thank you for making not just our days, but our nights," said Moore.

"There's so many thoughtful people in this world, and we benefit from that; we're just very fortunate," said Scott.