Be a "Santa to a Senior"
By: Wendy Suares, KARK 4 News
Updated: December 12, 2012
Plenty of programs aim to help children and families have a Merry Christmas, but one group in need often goes forgotten.
Time is running out to be a "Santa to a Senior." Ornaments still hang on the trees at area Walgreens, each with the name of a senior and their Christmas wish list.
"We often think of kids and toys, but seniors need our care and affection as well," said Jason Lemon, Walgreens Community Leader.
Walgreens has partnered with Home Instead Senior Care to collect and distribute gifts to seniors in need.
Home Instead Senior Care's Barbara Taylor said, "The look in their eyes when you bring a gift just for them in a sack, it lifts their spirit and it brings joy to a new level."
The recipients are residents in local nursing homes and independent living facilities. Most have no family nearby.
They ask for things like socks, blankets, and personal care items. Even stuffed animals make the list.
"Just simple things that aren't going to break the bank to give and help make their Christmas a little merrier and brighter," said Velma Fulton, who works at Home Instead and volunteers for the program.
You have until Friday to drop off gifts in the "Santa to a Senior" box at your local Walgreens, then volunteers will wrap and distribute them.
"When they see all the presents come through the door, their faces just light up," said Megan Childs, a volunteer who has distributed the gifts in recent years. "They don't expect it, because most of them wouldn't get a Christmas. This could be their only gift."
"Just knowing that they're thought about and cared about is a great joy to them," said Felton.
Click here if you'd like to help wrap gifts or you want to learn more.
Time is running out to be a "Santa to a Senior." Ornaments still hang on the trees at area Walgreens, each with the name of a senior and their Christmas wish list.
"We often think of kids and toys, but seniors need our care and affection as well," said Jason Lemon, Walgreens Community Leader.
Walgreens has partnered with Home Instead Senior Care to collect and distribute gifts to seniors in need.
Home Instead Senior Care's Barbara Taylor said, "The look in their eyes when you bring a gift just for them in a sack, it lifts their spirit and it brings joy to a new level."
The recipients are residents in local nursing homes and independent living facilities. Most have no family nearby.
They ask for things like socks, blankets, and personal care items. Even stuffed animals make the list.
"Just simple things that aren't going to break the bank to give and help make their Christmas a little merrier and brighter," said Velma Fulton, who works at Home Instead and volunteers for the program.
You have until Friday to drop off gifts in the "Santa to a Senior" box at your local Walgreens, then volunteers will wrap and distribute them.
"When they see all the presents come through the door, their faces just light up," said Megan Childs, a volunteer who has distributed the gifts in recent years. "They don't expect it, because most of them wouldn't get a Christmas. This could be their only gift."
"Just knowing that they're thought about and cared about is a great joy to them," said Felton.
Click here if you'd like to help wrap gifts or you want to learn more.
