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closeA Christmas tree has already gone up in the Home Instead Senior Care office in Belleville as part of the annual Be a Santa to a Senior holiday gift-giving program.
The tree is decorated with ornaments bearing the names of needy and isolated seniors in the community and their Christmas gift requests. The tree at the Home Instead office at 2321 Country Road in Belleville will remain up until Dec. 14, and gifts will be delivered to local seniors on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15. Last year the program delivered more than 450 gifts to local needy seniors.
Additional trees are expected to go up at local businesses and retail outlets as part of the program.
"Most people aren't aware that there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of seniors in every community who have no family and are alone," said Beth Rousell, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving St. Clair and Monroe counties. "The holiday is often considered a time for children, but seniors - especially those who are isolated and lonely - need to be remembered as well. Be a Santa to a Senior is designed to give back to those needy seniors as well as to help stimulate human contact and social interaction for older adults who are unlikely to have guests during the holidays."
Several non-profit organizations have identified the needy and isolated seniors and submitted their names to be included in the program.
To be a Santa to a senior, holiday shoppers can pick up an ornament, buy items on the list and return them unwrapped with the ornament attached. Volunteers then wrap and distribute the gifts to the seniors.
"Be a Santa to a Senior is a way to show our gratitude to those older adults who have contributed so much to our community," Rousell said. "We hope to reach out to many with this gesture of holiday cheer and goodwill."
Individuals interested in volunteering for the program can contact Rhonda Kaesburg at 234-7640. Business interested in adopting groups of seniors can contact the Home Instead Senior Care Office at 234-7642.
Additional information is available by contacting Kaesburg or by visiting www.beasantatoasenior.com.
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