Indianola, iowa – Santa Claus isn't driving a sleigh in Indianola, Iowa this year – and instead of gifts, he's bringing joy and light, decorating every home on his block for the upcoming holiday season.
John Reichart, 74, loves Christmas, but there's something else he loves most: his wife of 53 years, Joan. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's four years ago, and since then, the Marine veteran has made it his mission to refresh his memories.
“If it weren't for my wife, I don't know if I would have done it,” Reichert said. “But she wanted Christmas, so I'll give it to her. I'll do anything to make her happy.”
Now they have lots of extra hands on their projects, helping set up lights, decorations, and more. There is also a steady stream of fans coming to enjoy the holidays.
CBS News
A neighbor said, “I think the whole neighborhood feels very blessed to have him in this neighborhood.”
“It's dynamic,” added one viewer. “That's what Christmas is all about.”
Reichart said he can't see himself stopping the tradition now.
“As long as she's okay,” he said. “And even if she passes, I'll still do this in her memory for as long as I can.”
Joan said she loves the holiday spirit her husband brings to the neighborhood.
“I didn't know what to think,” Joan said. “But I'm glad he did it. I love him.”
To thank Reichert and celebrate Joan, her neighbors have set up a PO box to receive Christmas cards. He would give the cards to Reichart so he could read them to his wife.
CBS News is inviting viewers to send cards. To mail a card to ReCharts, address it to this PO Box:
John Reichart
c/o Frank Ivors
PO Box 133
Indianola, Iowa, 50125
