Secret Santas sought for more lonely Lake County seniors
An effort started last year in Lake County to bring gifts to lonely seniors during the holidays has blossomed into a hectic activity for Ingleside resident Brandy Beyer.
Word about the Beyer Foundation's Secret Santa for Seniors has spread and is making more happy work for the president and founder of the charitable group.
"Last year, we raised over $7,000, and this year we plan on way more," she said. "We helped 200 seniors last year."
Beyer said she contacts nursing homes or senior living facilities to gauge interest and then delivers wish list sheets. Those are collected and assigned to volunteers who agree to buy and wrap a present of up to $50.
Donation boxes for new items are in place at State Bank of the Lakes locations in Antioch, Grayslake, Lindenhurst and Round Lake Beach for those who don't have that amount to spend but want to contribute, she said.
"People can drop off a pair of slippers, a coat or a blanket - items people will need," she said.
This year, the effort is targeting all 134 residents at the Hillcrest Nursing Center in Round Lake Beach, as well as some at Winchester House in Libertyville, Valley Hi nursing home in Woodstock and the Pavillion of Waukegan. The program runs through Dec. 15, and so far interest has nearly doubled, according to Beyer. Visit www.thebeyerfoundation.orgor the Beyer Foundation Secret Santa for Seniors Facebook page.
"Depending on how many people sign up, we can do more," she said. "We go based on the number of volunteers we get."
Among the recipients are about a dozen residents at Winchester House in Libertyville who have no visitors or family to speak of, said Leslie Jennings, resident event director. Jennings said she expects the gift-giving program will provide pleasant surprises.
"These residents who are going to be the recipients have no idea what's coming," she said.
While there are numerous holiday efforts for children, seniors are sometimes forgotten, Beyer said.
"The joy it brings to people is just amazing," she said. "Last year was one of the best Christmases I've ever had. People are just so grateful."
She said she started the foundation two years ago - with a mission to prevent elder abuse and exploitation - as a tribute to her late father, Steven, who was well known as the longtime owner/operator of the Park Garage in Lake Villa, Beyer said.
Last year, assistance for the Secret Santa for Seniors program came from Oregon to Florida, Beyer said.
"We're growing every year. This year we're trying to get into the McHenry (county) area. Next year, we hope to get over the border to Wisconsin."