On September 10, Mercy Housing Holly Park residents celebrated National Grandparent’s Day with a special guest…Cookie Monster!

Along with community partner United Healthcare, Mercy Housing welcomed Cookie Monster, who spent time taking photos with the kids (and adults, too), handing out brand new Sesame Street books, and giving high fives to new friends. As hard as it was, Cookie Monster did not eat any of the cookies made available, saving them instead for all the kids (talk about self-control).

During an impromptu dance-off with Cookie Monster, one young resident asked, “Did you bring Elmo” (Elmo could not make the trip this time)?

In addition to hanging out with one of Sesame Street’s most beloved characters, everyone enjoyed nutritious foods, family-friendly activities, and giveaways throughout the afternoon. There was also a booth where residents could register to vote, as well as a United Healthcare representative to answer any questions regarding their healthcare needs.

Families received Sesame Workshop’s Growing Every Day, Every Way program material in Spanish and English, including the new “Happy, Healthy, Hopeful: Stretching Our Food Dollars” resource that provides helpful information on making healthy meals on a budget for the whole family.

According to the 2019 U.S. Census American Community Survey, there are 2.4 million “grandparent caregivers” with primary responsibility for grandchildren under 18.

Mercy Housing celebrates Grandparents – you are appreciated and a treasured part of all Mercy Housing communities!