A local group of volunteers is once again inviting the Chatham-Kent community to spread holiday cheer through Santa for Seniors.
The initiative, now in its sixth year, is dedicated to ensuring local seniors feel remembered, valued, and connected during the holiday season.
For many older people, the Christmas season can be a particularly lonely time, as they face restrictions and even separation from their family.
"With approximately 2,000 seniors living in retirement and nursing homes, along with hundreds more living independently, our goal is to ensure every senior receives a card and a gift this year," said co-organizer Emmalee Longbottom.
The initiative was inspired by others that sprung up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the program's inception in 2020, more than 7,100 gifts and 22,075 greeting cards have been collected.
"These past few years have been particularly challenging for so many people in our community," explained co-organizer Dava Robichaud. "Isolation continues to be a concern, especially for seniors, and we hope to brighten their days with cards and gifts from every corner of Chatham-Kent."
Robichaud encourages individuals, families, and community groups to get involved by writing holiday cards and assembling gift boxes.
For anyone who would like to participate, items like toiletries, cookies, tea, puzzles, hats, gloves, and stationery are recommended as gifts.
Empty boxes can be picked up at TekSavvy in Chatham or the Community Living Administration Offices in Wallaceburg. They can be delivered back to either location, where volunteers will take care of the wrapping.
The donation deadline is Friday, December 18.
To kick off this year's campaign, there will be two fundraising events. The first is a trivia night, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, at Red Barn Brewing. The second event will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, November 26, at the Boston Pizza in Chatham.
"Let's come together once again to show our seniors how much they mean to our community," Robichaud encouraged. "Every contribution makes a difference."
To get more information or reach out to the organizers of the initiative, you can email them here or follow Santa for Seniors on Facebook.
