Home Instead is inviting residents to bring holiday cheer to local seniors who may be alone, through its Be a Santa to a Senior program, by donating a special gift this season.
Business Office Manager Kelly Wolfe explains that Home Instead is a non-medical, in-home care agency, helping seniors with daily needs so they can remain at home, such as personal care, bathing assistance, bathroom assistance, medication reminders, neoprep, housekeeping, transportation, errands, and companionship care.
Executive Director Tricia Carroll says the Be a Santa to a Senior program is her favorite time of year, and both she and Wolfe enjoy working with the community to support seniors who have little to no money or nobody during the holidays.
Wolfe adds that many seniors on the ‘wish list’ are asking for basic necessities that we buy day to day and often take for granted.
click to download audioCarroll adds that many other items are included on the wish list.
click to download audioCarroll also notes that they review the program each year to find ways to improve it, ensuring that even if some gift tags go unclaimed, every senior still receives a gift.
Wolfe says seniors are the most valued members of our communities.
Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following locations:
• WALMART – 54 HWY – Owensboro, KY
• WALMART – Frederica Street – Owensboro, KY
• Creative Image – Frederica Street – Owensboro, KY
• Olive Garden – Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY
• WALMART – Morganfield, KY
• Madisonville YMCA, Madisonville, KY
• WFMW Radio Station – Madisonville, KY
• Ellis Park Gaming & Racing – Owensboro, KY & Henderson, KY
Each participating location features a Christmas tree with ornaments listing a senior’s gift wish. Shoppers select an ornament, buy the gift, and return both to the location or to the Home Instead offices in Henderson or Owensboro. Be sure to include the ornament tag in the bagged gift, and call (270) 689-2300 if you need help with drop-off. Gifts are due by December 17, and volunteers will deliver the bagged gifts to seniors on December 18.
The Home Instead Be a Santa to a Senior program serves 10 counties, including Daviess, Hopkins, Henderson, Union, and Webster.
Last year, over 986 Western Kentucky seniors received 3,000 gifts through community support. This year, the goal is to collect 3,600 gifts for local seniors.
