Each year, the Vista Grande Nursing Home in Cortez opens the Hazel’s Place Christmas store.

The “store” is free for residents to shop for themselves, family and friends.

The event is sponsored by the women’s group of Cortez Nazarene Church. A lot of the merchandise is made by church members, and they wrap it up too.

Dawn Terranova said she felt it was her calling to start the program.

As you can see, they are all excited,” Terranova said. “It is like Black Friday in here.”

The event was named after Hazel Frazier, who was instrumental in starting the event and passed away after the first year.

“She was a big part of the nursing home when she was here. She just loved people.” Hazel’s daughter, Faye Frazier said.

Kim McDonnel, activities director at Vista Grande, said she is grateful for the event for the residents so they could have a shopping experience and not have to worry about money.

“Anything we can empower our people with makes them feel like they are still people and that is really nice,” she said.