Be a Santa to a Senior program from Home Instead delivers cheer to older adults
EASTON, MD – Nov. 16, 2021 – As isolation continues to impact local seniors, Home Instead of Easton renews the important 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 17th 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 Ben Marchi, owner of the Easton 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 more than 50 local businesses, organizations and nonprofits to provide gifts to approximately 900 seniors in the area.
With the continued safety of seniors, donors and volunteers top of mind, the community can participate in this year’s program in a number of ways.
Members of the community can visit BeASantatoaSenior.com and enter their zip code to view Wish Lists for local seniors on Amazon Business through Dec. 10. A personalized greeting can be included with the gift which will be shipped directly to the senior.
Individuals can also visit one of the participating locations throughout the area and look for the Be a Santa to a Senior tree on display now through Dec. 10. 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 wrapped to the store with the ornament attached.
A complete list of the more than 25 tree locations in the area can be found at BeaSantatoaSenior.com.
“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 Ben Marchi. “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.”
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.
