Monterey firefighters surprise senior women for Mother’s Day

Saturday, Sherill Soule, got a special delivery when one of Monterey’s finest stopped by her room at Cypress Ridge Care Center. The Monterey Fire Department showed up with flowers in hand. “It is wonderful. I didn’t expect it. I had no idea at all,” said Soule.

For many of the women at Cypress Ridge, receiving the care they need, means being far from family on holidays like Mother’s Day. “I’ve been in this hospital since 2014. She’s the only one in my family that I’m close to and that I see on a regular basis,” said Cypress Ridge patient, Beverly McLoughlin.

The firefighters are here to make sure every woman, no matter what age or stage of life, feels loved this Mother’s Day. Monterey firefighters said they look forward to the event year after year. “A lot of the time,
they’re up here in the facility, and they may not have any more family left to come and visit them. This is a nice surprise where we can come in, give them flowers and put a smile on their face,” said Monterey Fire Department Division Chief, Justin Cooper.

The nonprofit, Alliance on Aging, has helped make Monterey County women smile, hosting the event for the last 25 years. The group travels to 57 long-term care facilities for seniors in Monterey County.
“It is so exciting to see women getting that glow and that smile. Firefighters really bring joy to them,” said the marketing director for Alliance on Aging, Wanda Pan-Christiansen.

Alliance on Aging plans to give out over 1,200 flowers over the weekend. Pan-Christiansen said the tradition will continue for years to come. “It means a lot to me,” said McLoughlin.