A Community Wrapped in Kindness: Elevating The Elderly in Crosby North Dakota

A heartfelt community project in Crosby, North Dakota, is quietly making a powerful difference in the lives of local nursing home residents. It’s called Elevating The Elderly, and it was started by Sierra Schnieder after a moment that stopped her in her tracks.

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When Dignity and Self-Care Become a Community Mission

The idea was sparked when a resident shared that she wished she could come in for a proper hair washing, but simply didn’t have the money. For Sierra, that small comment carried a lot of weight. She believes that at any age, everyone deserves dignity, care, and a little pampering. As she puts it, “If you look good, you feel good,” and something as simple as clean, styled hair can dramatically lift someone’s spirits.

Because of strict HIPAA regulations, Sierra can’t share personal details about residents or formally pair donors with individuals. Instead, she created a simple but effective “adopt a resident” concept. She posted the costs of hair services she offers—washing, setting, and styling—and community members can choose what they’d like to sponsor. Donations are accepted through Venmo, PayPal, or even traditional checks mailed directly to her.

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An Outpouring of Support—and Smiles to Match

The response has been overwhelming. Thanks to community generosity, Sierra has already raised enough money to purchase a portable hood dryer and ensure that every resident she serves can get their hair done once a week for quite some time. The most rewarding part, she says, is seeing the pure joy on residents’ faces when she reminds them that the service is completely free. That moment alone often brings her to tears.

One resident, in particular, has left a lasting impression on Sierra. With blunt honesty and wisdom earned through life, the woman once told her, “You could have a $100 shirt and $100 pants, but if your hair looks like crap, you feel like crap. But if your hair looks good, you can wear anything and still feel like a million bucks.” It’s a quote Sierra carries with her every week.

Community members in Crosby and our region can get involved by donating, sharing the project’s story, or simply bringing more awareness to the needs of those living in nursing homes and care facilities. Sierra also shares a deeply personal motivation—she lost all of her grandparents at a young age. Through Elevating The Elderly, she feels she’s honoring their memory by giving love and care to people who deserve it just as much.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness can have the biggest impact.

If you want to get behind this effort, you can mail a check to:

Sierra Schnieder

2016 1st Ave. E.

Williston, ND  58801