Be a Santa to a Senior program from Home Instead delivers cheer to older adults
VANCOUVER – As isolation continues to impact local seniors, Home Instead of Vancouver renews the Be a Santa to a Senior® program promising another season of holiday cheer.
Be A Santa to a Senior supports older adults who may be overlooked, isolated or alone during the holiday season. This is the 9th year for the local program that gives back to older adults and reminds them they are cherished by our community. The gifts collected, which are often necessity items such as toiletries, clothing, and blankets, make a big impact and help area seniors combat the holiday blues.
“We’ve all experienced feelings of loneliness during the pandemic, and seniors are at a particularly high risk for isolation,” said Julie Williams, owner of the Vancouver Home Instead office. “Be a Santa to a Senior shows the older adults in our community that they are valued and thought of during the holidays.”
This year, Home Instead is partnering with the VA, Meals on Wheels, CDM day center, Discovery Nursing and Rehab to provide gifts to approximately 150 seniors in the area.
Be a Santa to a Senior trees with ornaments will be on display in local retailers and businesses. Each ornament includes a local senior’s gift request, such as slippers or a blanket.
Individuals can visit one of the participating locations listed below and look for the Be a Santa to a Senior tree on display from Nov. 15 to Dec. 8. Each tree will be decorated with ornaments featuring seniors’ first names and gift suggestions. Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift, and return it unwrapped to the store with the ornament attached.
Home Instead will also collect monetary donations to purchase gifts which will be delivered to seniors who might otherwise be overlooked this year. Donations can be made through the Home Instead Charities at www.BeaSantatoaSenior.com/donate/ or mailed to Home Instead at 13323 California St. Omaha, NE 68154.
“A small act of kindness can make a big difference. And a heartfelt gift brightens the lives of older adults who may feel alone during the season,” said Williams. “Finding ways to care and support one another is important now more than ever and we are grateful for the community’s involvement every year.”
Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following locations:
• Home Instead Senior Care – 9120 NE Vancouver Mall Loop, Vancouver
• Marshall Community Center – 1009 E McLoughlin BLVD., Vancouver
• Northwest Health and Safety – 6603 E Mill Plain BLVD., Vancouver
• PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center – 400 NE Mother Joseph Place, Vancouver
• The Hampton Salmon Creek – 2305 NE 129th St., Vancouver
Since the program’s inception 18 years ago, Be a Santa to a Senior has helped provide more than 2 million gifts to over 750,000 seniors in North America and attracted upwards of 65,000 volunteers.
Gifts will be delivered to seniors in time for the holidays. Shoppers are encouraged to purchase as many gifts for seniors as they would like. If you have a passion for giving back and helping seniors, visit https://www.homeinstead.com/home-care-jobs to learn more about becoming a CAREGiver℠. From personal care and companionship to transportation and meal preparation, compassionate CAREGivers allow seniors to remain in their homes.
For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com.
