A group of local volunteers is once again stepping up to ensure Chatham-Kent seniors aren’t lonely and isolated this holiday season.
Now into its sixth year, the Santa for Seniors campaign will collect holiday cards and pack gifts to give to seniors living in retirement and nursing homes, as well as to those who live independently. All of the cards and presents are delivered to local seniors the week before Christmas.
Santa for Seniors was inspired by many other food and gift drives that took place in Chatham-Kent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These past few years have been particularly challenging for so many people in our community, and there have been lots of great ways to help with these challenges,” said Co-organizer Dava Robichaud in a news release. “Isolation is another challenge, especially for seniors, and we hope to brighten their day with some gifts and cards from every corner of Chatham-Kent.”
“In 2020, the community came together to provide over 5800 greeting cards and a little over 800 gifts for local seniors,” added co-organizer Emmalee Longbottom. “The following years, we collected over 5275 gifts, and over 14,860 greeting cards. With 2,000 seniors living in retirement and nursing homes, and hundreds more living on their own, we’d like each senior to get a greeting card and gift again this year.”
Examples of some items that can be given as gifts are toiletries, cookies, tea, puzzles, hats, gloves, stationery, and other small items. Those who need an empty box can pick one up from the TekSavvy Security Kiosk at 800 Richmond Street, in Chatham, and Community Living Administration Offices at 1100 Dufferin Ave in Wallaceburg.
Boxes and cards can be returned to TekSavvy and/or Community Living Wallaceburg, and will be accepted until Friday, December 12th. Gifts and Cards will be delivered the week of December 15th.