DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- At a time when it may be more important than ever, Home Instead’s® seasonal favorite Be a Santa to a Senior program returns stronger than ever with new options for community participation.
Program coordinators evaluated the important holiday program and made adjustments with the safety of donors, seniors and volunteers in mind. With seniors more isolated than ever because of concerns due to the virus, this year, for the first time in the program’s 17-year history, Home Instead is teaming up with Amazon Business to create a contactless gift-giving experience for volunteers and recipients. The new Amazon Business collaboration will provide the same holiday cheer to local seniors while also prioritizing the safety and wellness of all who are involved.
“The Be a Santa to a Senior program brings so much joy to seniors in our community,” said Todd Felker, franchise owner of the Plano, Richardson and Rockwall Home Instead offices. “Seniors are especially at risk for the feelings of isolation that we’ve all felt at some point during the pandemic, and a simple gift can show them that they have been thought of, which is more important this year than ever.”
Be a Santa to a Senior relies on the generous support of the Northeast Dallas, Rockwall and Collin county, communities and volunteers, as well as area businesses, nonprofit organizations, and retailers. This year Home Instead has partnered with Wellness Center for Older Adults, Plano and Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County.
It’s easy to help. Members of the community can visit BeASantatoaSenior.com and enter their zip code to view Wish Lists for local seniors in the area which are available on Amazon Business through December 15th. A personalized greeting can be included with the gift which will be shipped directly to the senior or to Home Instead location where it will be safely delivered to the senior.
“We need the community’s help more than ever to make sure seniors feel connected this year,” said Felker. “This year we knew we had to find a way to spread holiday cheer to seniors, and we are grateful for the community’s participation.”
Since the program’s creation in 2003, Be a Santa to a Senior® has provided approximately 2.1 million gifts and with the help of more than 75,000 volunteers, brightened the season for more than 750,000 deserving seniors nationwide. With adjustments, Home Instead will be able to continue the annual gift-giving program while following social distancing and safety precautions during COVID-19.
Over 500 DFW seniors have their wish lists on Amazon. you can check it out on BeaSantatoaSenior.com