During the Christmas season, it’s usually kids and children we think about getting presents around the tree. But older citizens need gift and love, too. So, one facility is inviting people to spread the cheer with seniors this year.
Home Instead has kicked off a program to help those who can’t help themselves but live in need year long. As the community prepares to celebrate the season of giving, Home Instead is working with seniors who are part of the Adult Protective Services and social workers, who have put together a list of items they know their clients need.
“We don’t receive the names because of privacy, since clients are in protective services,” said Stephanie Dodson, franchise owner of the Amarillo Home Instead office. “Through Be a Santa to a Senior, we can help them feel the holiday spirit.”
By picking a replica of a light bulb on the tree at Home Instead’s office at 1720 I-40 West or other participating locations, those wanting to help can pick out a gift (without having to dress like Santa), find it and bring it back to be presented to the appropriate person.
Some requested presents are small, such as paper, a pillow or a broom, but they can bring hope to a disabled or disheartened older adult. Many are victims of abuse or neglect, exploitation or even self-neglect, as explained by Dodson. “We help homeless too, so we have some items like bedrolls or a backpack with some supplies in it,” she said.
“We have the pleasure of helping seniors in the community all year around that have a little bit more in assets. They may be able to pay some for care for themselves,” Dodson added. “Sometimes they’re still working, but things pile up and they need help.”
Since the program’s inception in 2003, nationwide, Be a Santa to a Senior has mobilized more than 65,000 volunteers, provided approximately 2.2 million gifts, and brightened the season for more than 750,000 deserving older adults. Find more information online at BeaSantatoaSenior.com or by calling (806) 323-4966.
Dodson said they had been doing this at their Lubbock location for years, but this is the first year for their Amarillo office, and gifts are already starting to appear under the tree. Program coordinators hope to collect 300 gifted items for local older adults this year.
Ornaments will be available from Nov. 3 to Dec. 8, and the gifts will be delivered to Adult Protective Services in time for the holidays.
How to help
Anyone who would like to donate can call 806-452-5360 or go to their website at https://www.homeinstead.com/home-care/usa/tx/amarillo/900/. They can also visit the office in the back of the building at 7120 W. I-40, Suite 134.
They encourage Amarillo residents to share the holiday spirit with older adults who may not have family and feel alone. Through Be a Santa to a Senior, community members can help provide essentials to an older adult who may otherwise go without.
“A simple gift can bring such joy to older adults who may not have loved ones to celebrate with,” Dodson said.
Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following Amarillo locations:
There is also an Amazon Wish List available for those who prefer to shop online: https://a.co/4pFzRjW
“This program is so much more than gift-giving — it’s about the special moments and joy shared between the older adults and the community around them,” said Dodson. “There is nothing better than seeing the smile on an older adult’s face when they open their gift.”
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Be a Santa to a Senior shares Christmas cheer with older Amarillo area residents in need
Reporting by Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
