Be a Santa to a Senior Gift Giveaway Serves Area Older Adults a Dose of Holiday Cheer

The popular campaign that has delivered more than one million gifts to needy seniors throughout North America in the past five years is under way in Birmingham this holiday season.

The area office of Home Instead Senior Care has developed the Be a Santa to a Senior program to provide presents and special visits to local seniors who otherwise might be overlooked this holiday season.

“Most people aren’t aware that there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of seniors in every community who have no family and are alone,” said Dan Pahos, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Birmingham and surrounding areas.   “The holiday is often considered a time for children, but seniors – especially those who are isolated and lonely – need to be remembered as well.  Be a Santa to a Senior is designed to give back to those needy seniors as well as to help stimulate human contact and social interaction for older adults who are unlikely to have guests during the holidays.”

Here’s how the program, which runs until December 8, works:  The public is asked to purchase a holiday gift bag (with handles) and fill it with any of the items listed below.  Label the bag male or female and bring it to the Home Instead Senior Care office located at 2059 Columbiana Road, Suite 105 in Birmingham by December 8, 2010.

“Be a Santa to a Senior is a way to show our gratitude to those older adults who have contributed so much to our community,” Pahos said.  “We hope to reach out to many with this gesture of holiday cheer and goodwill.”

Businesses are encouraged to contact the local Home Instead Senior Care office about adopting groups of seniors.  For more information about the program, call 205-822-1915.

Suggested Gift Ideas (Unopened and Unused)

• Socks (Men & Women – all sizes)

• Lotion
• Shampoo / Conditioner
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Hairbrush/Comb
• Books (Large Print)
• Crossword Puzzles (Large Print)
• Blankets
• Gloves (Men & Women – all sizes)
• Washcloth, Bath and Hand Towel Sets
• Kitchen Towels
• Smoke Alarms (with batteries)
• Devices to Aid Opening Jars/Bottles
• Flashlight (with batteries)
• Large Print Playing Cards
• Stationary/Cards
• Photo Albums
• Picture Calendars
• Nail File kits
• Cotton Handkerchiefs
• Large Button Telephones
• Alarm Clocks with Large Numbers
• Sugar-free Gum
• Sugar-free Candy
• Small Christmas Tree with ornaments
• Magazines