Program helping area seniors

This season, many Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale and Lawrence counties seniors who are alone or impoverished will receive some holiday cheer thanks to the Be a Santa to a Senior^® program.

Sponsored by the local Home Instead Senior Care^® office, the program brings together area nonprofits, retailers, numerous volunteers and members of the community to provide gifts and companionship for lonely and isolated seniors.

“It is heartbreaking to think of the senior members of our community spending the holidays all by themselves, without any gifts or any way to celebrate the season,” said Pam Hodges, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, and Lawrence counties.

“But all too often, that’s what happens when seniors live alone. It can be a really tough time of year for them.”

Participating retail locations will display Be a Santa to a Senior Christmas trees from November 28 to December 12 that feature ornaments with seniors’ first names and their gift requests. Holiday shoppers can pick ornaments from the trees, buy the items listed and return them unwrapped (and with the ornament attached) to the store.

Be a Santa to a Senior trees will be located at Martins Department Store, Beverly Nail Smiths, and Curves.

Program partners and volunteers will wrap and distribute the gifts to local seniors who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.

“During this season of giving, we encourage shoppers to buy a little extra for a local senior,” Hodges said.

“Your gift – and more importantly the visit that comes with the delivery – could make their holiday season.”

For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com or call 256-764-4316.