COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. — April 30, 2026 — What began as a simple sewing project turned into a full-circle moment of joy, connection, and purpose at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Senior Living of East Hamilton.
After weeks of carefully stitching handmade costumes for Tiger Creek Elementary School’s chorus production of Moana, residents recently had the chance to see their work come to life. About 40 students visited the community to perform the ocean scene, wearing the very costumes residents had created.
As the children took the stage, something special happened. Residents began to recognize the fabrics, colors, and details they had worked on together. What once sat in their hands as pieces of cloth now moved across the room as part of a vibrant performance.
“The outfits sparked memories of sitting around and creating the costumes,” said Lindsey Hughes, Executive Director. “They recognized the fabric and the color because it was so unique.”
The performance itself was meaningful, but it was the children’s gratitude that left the biggest impression. Afterward, the students thanked the residents for helping make their costumes and shared how much they loved wearing them.
“The best part was hearing the children thank them,” Hughes added. “That moment meant everything.”
Several of the residents who helped sew the costumes were able to attend. While not all immediately recognized their work, those who did were deeply moved.
“They were over the moon,” Hughes said. “Seeing something they created bring that much happiness to the children was incredibly special.”
For resident Bev, the experience brought back a lifetime of connection to education.
“I am so happy to see kids happy,” she said. “Since I worked in the schools as a teacher and my father was a principal, I have been around school-aged children my whole life. It is hard for them to find things that make them happy, but when they do, they flourish in and out of school.”
The project was made possible through a personal connection. Ashley Ray, Lantern Program Assistant and PTA treasurer at Tiger Creek Elementary, helped bring the idea to life after the school’s music teacher, Melody Clinton, asked for help with costumes. Residents quickly embraced the opportunity during a Resident Council meeting, eager to support local students.
“Seeing the joy residents have from giving back is special,” said Margaret Maples, Lantern Program Director. “Watching them not only create the costumes, but then see them come to life, is such a meaningful experience.”
Families who attended the performance also shared in the moment, watching their loved ones light up as the children performed.
At its heart, the project reflects the power of intergenerational connection. It is a reminder that purpose does not fade with age and that even small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact.
At Morning Pointe, moments like these are not just activities. They are opportunities to connect, create, and make a difference.
About Morning Pointe Senior Living
Founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states, including AL, GA, IN, KY & TN. For more information, visit morningpointe.com.
The philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living is the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to provide clinical scholarships and caregiver support.
