Michaela Sprague is pictured with many of the gifts recently donated to residents at Gowanda Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Submitted photo

GOWANDA — Christmas is a time of excitement for many 5-year-olds who have been spending weeks or even months anticipating special gifts from Santa Claus.

However, for 5-year-old Michaela Sprague, the past few weeks have been devoted to playing Santa Claus to more than 100 residents at Gowanda Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Recently Michaela delivered gifts to the center’s 140 residents — gifts that she spent the past few months collecting with the help of her family, friends and fourth-grade students at Gowanda Elementary School.

According to Michele Sprague, Michaela’s mother, earlier this year, her daughter collected and donated 70 stuffed animals to children at Oishei Children’s Hospital for Easter. When Michele’s mother, Michaela’s “Grammie,” passed away in October, Michaela was inspired to deliver gifts to the nursing center residents, as her grandmother had been hospitalized many times and was often wheelchair bound.

The Christmas goodie bags contained candy, lotion, nail files and lip balm for all of the residents. “She had a craft night with her friends to make decorations,” said Sprague. “And we collected 100 blankets and 40 pairs of fuzzy socks for them.” Gowanda’s fourth-grade students joined Michaela’s efforts by donating items and making placemats for every resident.

“This little 5-year-old knows more about the meaning of Christmas then most adults,” Sprague said. “She cried when I told her that some of the residents won’t get any other gifts than what we are giving them.”