Feeling too lonely, the lady in Tulsa, Oklahoma posted an ad on the page titled "Does anyone need a Santa?"

Among the numerous posts selling old furniture and pianos on Craigslist this month, the article of a woman made a lot of attention. "I don't have anyone close and would love to be a part of the family. I can cook. I can even bring food and gifts to the kids. I have no one around and it hurts." Let me be part of your home, "she wrote on Craigslist.

The post quickly received many comments, including those who let go of malicious and malicious words. Some people think this is a trick of the woman, while others call her a freeloader waiting for a generous family to accept. Some even advised her to kill herself.

She removed the post shortly afterwards, but Carson Carlock caught up with the post while looking for some free items on Craigslist. Then, the 21-year-old posted a photo on Facebook with the hashtag "FINDGRANDMA" (Find Santa) on 11/12.

Thousands of people in the US shared Carlock's post and look forward to sharing the upcoming Christmas with this woman. "I just wanted to help you have a family. You won't be alone this Christmas," Carlock sent a message to the woman via Craigslist on 12 December in hopes of receiving a text or a call from her.

The article by an old lady in Oklahoma state is a heartbreaking reminder of the loneliness of many Americans, especially helpless elderly people, on holidays. As the baby boomers age, female-like posts in Tulsa may appear more on social networks, according to Blair Schoeb, director of the nonprofit organization. elderly in Oklahoma, which helps about 7,000 people over 60 in 4 states.

This month, the organization's volunteers donated 600 socks to unattended elderly people in nursing homes in the area. They prepared many gifts in every sock, including socks, hand cream, crosswords, soup boxes and puddings.

"It seems that the number of elderly people with families is declining, while the number of people who have no one cares is increasing. At some point, feeling lonely is hard to avoid," Schoeb said.

But even with a family close by, the elderly can still face many other dangers. They are at risk of becoming victims of abusive incidents by relatives at the end of the year, according to the New York City agency for elderly issues.

The agency did not specify the reason for the elderly abuse that often occurs at this time of year, but said that the situation of property rape, sexual violence, physical violence or verbal abuse is still high. over the years. Nearly one-third of all elder abuse cases in New York during the 2018-2019 fiscal year were recorded between November and January, when families often gather together.

"1,623 cases of elder abuse reported so far indicate a problem that needs to be changed," said Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, an official in New York City's elderly department. on December 18.

The woman in Tulsa, who posted an article on Craigslist identified as Carrie, said she had previously fought cancer and was estranged by her daughter, not allowed to see her granddaughter despite living close to each other. "I thought this feeling was over, but it broke my heart," Carrie wrote in an email.

She posted the article on 11/12, then went to her niece's dance studio, sat outside and hoped to see her through the window. That night, she checked the post on Craigslist and was scared to read the comments. "I don't understand why people are so rude and hate me. I am really hurt," she said.

Carrie only got to know Carlock that weekend, after watching the news of his Facebook post on local television. Carlock, who also lives in Tulsa, said he sympathized with the woman in her 50s. "I understand the feeling of being lonely and having no one around," Carlock, the boy whose mother died of cancer last year, shared.

According to Katherine Fiori, a professor of psychology at Adelphi University in New York, feelings of loneliness are more common in younger people than older people. But unlike young people, older people tend to narrow social relationships, resulting in the loss of daily interactions that make them feel more isolated. "This woman is probably about to fall into despair. Reaching out to strangers to make a connection with society is a quite appropriate solution," Fiori said.

Amanda Gayle Vukobrat, a 29-year-old photographer who commented on Carrie's article, invited her to take a holiday with her family in Oklahoma City. "I couldn't imagine how lonely she was to decide to go online to find a family to share the upcoming holiday. Who could ignore that despair?", Vukobrat said.

Finally, Mrs. Carrie decided to celebrate Christmas this year with her friends. Carlock also plans to have dinner at her house on Christmas Eve. The two met earlier outside the McDonald's store near Carlock's apartment building on December 16. Carlock said, when she saw him, she burst into tears and said "Come here". Then they hugged and cried. "It was an extremely warm and meaningful hug," Carlock said.

Carrie said that in the past few days, she has received emails from many people in similar circumstances. "A guy told me he was good at washing dishes," she said, hoping Carlock could help them. "I don't want anyone to experience the same feeling I had before. We all just want to be loved and valued," Carrie said.