Swampscott Part Of 'Adopt-A-Grandparent' Balloon Buddy Campaign

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Carolina Velasquez spent much of the spring and summer bringing a little brightness to birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and other special occasions that could not be celebrated as they typically would amid the coronavirus health crisis.

Now her balloon party business is part of a campaign aimed at bringing some of that same spirit to senior citizens who are isolated from their families and many of their friends because of social distancing and other virus-related protocols.

Swampscott's Fairytale Moments is participating in an initiative throughout the balloon community to bring balloons to senior living facilities through individual sponsorships.

"The idea is that we are partnering with local facilities that care for seniors," Velasquez, who owns Fairytale Moments, told Patch, "such as the (local) senior center and the senior assisted living facilities in the area. The goal is to deliver a balloon buddy for each senior."

Area residents can purchase a balloon for $15 each. Once all seniors at a location are "adopted" Fairytale Moments will create the balloon buddies and deliver them to a location for distribution to the facilities.

"The impact of isolation is especially hard on seniors and we want to send them a little joy, cheer and hope," Velasquez said.

She said the Swampscott Senior Center and The Residence at Vinnin are already "on board."

"I am hoping the community takes this opportunity, and we not only meet but exceed our goal," she said. "My balloon friends around the country, and even the world, are sharing how their communities have been amazingly generous and (showing) centers being fully adopted in 24 to 48 hours."

Those interested in helping Velasquez help give seniors a little nudge toward spring can go to their Facebook page or scan the QR code on the flyer.

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More Patch Coverage: Swampscott Balloon Business Brings Cheer Amid Coronavirus Crisis

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)