This is the season to think of others and give but one group that is often forgotten at this time of year is seniors but a group in Midland is trying to change that.
The excitement of Christmas and time with family was a big part of the discussion on Friday at the Askenonnia Seniors Centre in Midland. And although Kathleen Lewis loves celebrating Christmas, Christmas morning isn’t something she looks forward to the way she used to.
“I know that most times I’m going to be alone and I know everyone else is going to be with family and friends and it can be lonely.
And Kathleen is not the only one who will be alone so for the fourth year the ‘Be a Santa to a senior’ program will help make Christmas morning special for more than 150 seniors.
“It gives the community the opportunity to give back to a senior who really otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to have Christmas of their own, somebody who doesn’t have a family member or have a present to open up for Christmas,” says organizer Dan Leonard.
Christmas Wish Trees are setup at the Askenonnia Seniors Centre and at the Stuart Ellis Pharmacy in Collingwood. The trees have tags with a first name and a gift wish. People are asked to pick up a tag before they shop and bring back the gift and tag before December 12th.
“I can’t imagine going through Christmas without somebody thinking of you so if that’s all it takes I think it’s important,” says Midland resident Ron Schryber.
Some of the items seniors are asking for include: lap throws, candy, track pants and slippers.
“Seniors are just overwhelmed, they can’t believe how many caring people there are in the community,” says Laura Hodgekiss with the Collingwood IDA Pharmacy.
To learn more on how to help a senior, click here.
