Be a Santa To a Senior deadline Tuesday, Dec. 18

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Officials said the Be a Santa To a Senior program is approaching the December 18 deadline for 2012, and there are still seniors who have not been adopted this year.

Organizers said each year, this program, sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care, helps to bring a little holiday cheer to seniors in our community who might be isolated, financially challenged or who have no one to share the holiday season with. Names of seniors in Mobile and Baldwin counties are submitted to the program by area nursing homes, assisted and independent living communities, churches, and social service agencies.

Last year, the program delivered over 5,000 gifts to seniors in our area.

Names of seniors can be picked up at local Walgreens stores and the Springdale Mall Morrison’s.

Those wishing to chose a name from a tree are asked to purchase an item or items listed on the ornament and return the purchase with the ornament attached to the store. Gifts are
then picked up, wrapped by volunteers, placed in a gift bag decorated by students from Mobile County Public Schools and then delivered prior to Christmas by staff members of Home Instead and volunteers.

“Seniors are often overlooked during the holidays when they have no family in the area. This program really brings the true meaning of the holiday spirit home to us at Home Instead,” said Nick Logiotatos, owner of the area Home Instead. “Often the requests by seniors are so simple – toiletries, lap throws, socks and other basic clothing items are usually the most requested items that we see.”

According to Logiotatos, they have seen support from several organizations this year that donated items in bulk.

“We are thankful to be able to sponsor such a great program – and grateful that we continue to have support from the community!"