A Young Resident’s Holiday Project Delivers Cheer, One Card and Candy Cane at a Time

Excelsior Springs, Mo. (December 22, 2025) — With the holiday season underway, 11-year-old Excelsior Springs native Isabella Gonzalez has set out on a simple and meaningful mission: delivering kindness one Christmas card and candy cane at a time to residents of the Ruey Anna housing complex (320 W. Excelsior St.).

According to her mother, Cortney, the idea began last year when Isabella wanted to do something for people who might not have family nearby during the holidays. Isabella said she hoped to help those residents still feel included in the season. “[Some] people don’t have any family members,” she said. “They still need to feel like it’s Christmas too.”

To determine how many cards would be needed, Cortney asked her boyfriend, a downtown mail carrier who delivers to the Ruey Anna, to estimate the number of residents. Once they learned the building was home to nearly 80 people, Isabella began making cards and pairing each one with a candy cane.

“She filled out the card, put the candy canes on them, and then she went and delivered them from floor to floor,” Cortney said.

Each card was intentionally worded to be inclusive, reading “Happy Holidays” rather than referencing a specific celebration. Cortney said Isabella was mindful that not everyone celebrates Christmas and wanted every resident to feel acknowledged.

The project required both time and patience. Isabella signed her name on every card, even as her hand grew sore from writing. Despite that, she remained committed to the task, motivated by the idea of bringing comfort to residents who might otherwise feel lonely during the holidays.

Cortney said the response from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have stopped Isabella to thank her, and some continue to mention the cards long after they were delivered.

Even Isabella’s grandfather, who recently moved into the Ruey Anna, has noticed the impact of her efforts. Neighbors have approached him after recognizing her. “Hey, is that your granddaughter passing out candy canes?” they ask.

With Christmas approaching, Isabella is preparing to make another round of deliveries. Residents of the Ruey Anna building can expect her visits to begin the weekend of Dec. 22, Cortney said.

Isabella hopes to expand her effort to other housing authority buildings next year. When asked how giving compares to receiving gifts, she paused before answering. “It just makes me feel good when you’re giving and making others smile.”

She summarized her motivation simply. “The nicer you are to people, the more other people will learn to be kind and do good things.” Through each card and candy cane, Isabella continues to model that spirit of generosity in her hometown of Excelsior Springs.