10-year-old dons elf suit to spread Christmas cheer at Unity personal care home

A young beacon of the holiday spirit made sure residents at a Unity personal care home felt loved during a special visit Thursday.

Dora Runyon, 86, exclaimed when William Gunther, 10, handed her a small elephant stuffed animal, one of 150 he purchased to hand out to those spending Christmas at Twin Lakes Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

“On behalf of the rest of the residents, thank you so much,” Runyon said. “It’s nice to know that young people are still so sweet and so kind and so giving.”

“That’s what Christmas is all about,” William replied.

The Mountain View Elementary fifth grader donned an elf suit and hat for the visit with about 80 residents at the Sand Hill Road center. He purchased the stuffed animals with about $100 in saved allowance money and loaded them into a red sack for the trip.

Grandmother Jaunita Gunther of Unity said William has watched other family members in hospice care clutch small stuffed animals and wanted a way to give back this year.

“He wanted to be Santa’s helper to others,” she said. “I’m so proud of him, to see what I’m seeing right here in his face, couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Gunther trailed as William and activities director Jackie White went room to room greeting residents and handing out small squirrels, zebras, rabbits and tigers. White said residents greatly appreciate visits from community members, especially young ones.

That was evident on many of their faces, some with wonder, gratitude and surprise as William cheerfully handed them a gift. Some chatted with him for a few moments and others immediately clutched the small token.

For William, it was a chance to spread love in a thoughtful way.

“It makes me feel good,” he said. “It honestly feels better to give than to get, just makes me feel like an important piece of the world.”