Program aims to deliver Christmas, companionship to seniors

The holiday season typically brings the promise of family and fellowship to most. However, a local program is working to make sure that is true for area seniors.
The Auburn-based office of Home Instead Senior Care, a non-medical home care provider, is partnering with area assisted living, hospice care providers and local retailers in the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program.
The program works to make sure that isolated seniors receive both gifts and companionship during the holiday season.
This marks the third year that the Auburn/ Opelika community will be participating in the program, according to Bridget Jones, owner of Home Instead Senior Care and area coordinator of the program, which runs from Nov. 13 through Dec. 15.
“Christmas is usually a time when we focus our attentions on needy children and families, but statistics show that the holidays can be the most depressing time of the year for seniors who may no longer receive regular visits from family and friends,” Jones said. “Often times that means seniors are left only to remember what the holidays were like for them in years past.”
Jones hopes the program will help write a new chapter in treasured holiday memories for seniors.
Before the holidays arrive, non-profit organizations will identify needy and shut-in seniors throughout the community whose names will then be referred to Home Instead Senior Care. Participating businesses and retailers in the program will then set up Christmas trees decorated with ornaments with only the first names of the seniors and their gift requests. Holiday shoppers may then pick up an ornament, purchase the item and return it to the participating business with the ornament.
Volunteers will then wrap the items and deliver them to the seniors.
While the gifts are sure to be appreciated, Jones said, perhaps the most valuable gift is the time that is spent with them by the volunteers.
“When you walk through the front door of their home or assisted living facility, their faces just light up,” Jones said.
The Be a Santa to a Senior Program is still in need of volunteers to assist with a city-wide gift wrapping day. Volunteers or businesses that want to adopt a senior may call Bridget Jones at 334-321-1050. For a list of tree locations in the area, visit http://www.beasantatoasenior.com.