Volunteer for Be a Santa to a Senior program
Did you know that 28 percent of people ages 65 or older live alone, according to AARP? Each year, these seniors have fewer family members and friends to provide company and care to them, which often can lead to social isolation. The holidays can be especially hard for those who are living independently and may feel lonely.
That's why the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Elk Grove Village is inviting the community to come together to provide gifts and holiday cheer to seniors who may be isolated from friends or family this holiday season through its Be a Santa to a Senior® program.
In the 15 years since the program's creation, thousands of local seniors have benefited from receiving gifts.
"Be a Santa to a Senior helps bring comfort and a smile to many seniors. It shows them that people care about them and see them as an important part of the community," said Kelly Hutchison, franchise owner of the Elk Grove Village Home Instead Senior Care office.
"Social isolation is a concern among seniors, and the holidays often intensify feelings of distance and loneliness. When we deliver the gifts and spend some time with them, it makes a big difference."
Be a Santa to a Senior is a true community program, getting generous support from Elk Grove Village-area businesses, nonprofit organizations, retailers, numerous volunteers and members of the community.
The local Home Instead Senior Care office has partnered with MB Financial Bank, Bartlett Public Library, Elk Grove Library, Schaumburg Public Library, Curves, Tangled Hair Boutique, Pepsi Beverage Company and Tasty Catering to help with gift collection and distribution.
It's easy to help out. Go to one of the participating locations listed below and look for the Be a Santa to a Senior tree on display Dec. 12-21. Each tree will be decorated with ornaments featuring seniors' first names and desired gifts.
Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift and return it to the store with the ornament attached. Community volunteers and program partners will wrap and deliver the gifts to local seniors in time for the holidays.
"We're always excited to see how much Be a Santa to a Senior boosts seniors' spirits during the holiday season," said Hutchison. "And we are grateful to be a part of a community that comes together to make this happen."
Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following locations:
• MB Financial Banks: Addison, Bartlett, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg East, South Barrington, Vernon Hills and Wheeling
• Curves, 776 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village
• Bartlett Public Library District, 800 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett
• Elk Grove Village Public Library, 1001 Wellington Ave, Elk Grove Village
• Pepsi Beverage Company, 1475 E. Woodfield Road, Schaumburg
• Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg
• Tangled Hair Boutique, 260 Army Trail Road, Suite 108, Bartlett,
• Tasty Catering, 1900 Touhy Ave., Elk Grove Village
For information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com or call (618) 234-7640.
For information about how you can help seniors in isolation in your community, visit imreadytocare.com.