TOLEDO, Ohio — Residents of Manahan in south Toledo enjoyed a surprise parade on Saturday afternoon.
Manahan is home for 30 adults with developmental disabilities.
They’ve been unable to leave the facility and visitors and volunteers have not been allowed for almost three months, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
For this reason, the staff wanted to lift up residents’ spirits and give them a chance to see their family.
Drivers weren't allowed to honk because the noise might bother some of the residents.
Instead drivers were asked to decorate their cars with signs and balloons.
Staff also collected donations for the residents.
"Family members are getting a little anxious to see their loved ones. So we decided, let’s do something, let’s do a parade. Everyone is doing the graduation parade, let’s see a parade,” said Michael Malone, Executive Director of Manahan. “The Cheer, Smile, Wave Parade is what we're calling this today. We're very excited, glad to see people are joining us.”
Manahan says the COVID-19 pandemic has also closed its day program.
The disruption to daily life seems to have been worth it however. The facility is proud to say it hasn't had any cases of the virus.
Manahan was formerly known as Josina Lott Residential Community Services and has been part of the community for 41 years.
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