'Be a Santa to a Senior' volunteers drop off gifts to ensure nobody goes without a gift this holiday season. (Home Instead)

By Jordan Davidson

Thoughtful gift

‘Bring joy:’ Be a Santa to a Senior this holiday season

Nov 25, 2023 | 5:47 AM

NANAIMO — Christmas gifts are enjoyed by people of all ages, and a local business wants to make sure nobody is left out of the gift-giving.

The Nanaimo branch of Home Instead is once again putting on the ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ program, to make sure no senior goes without a gift this year.

Owner of Home Instead Nanaimo Melissa King said this is their 20th anniversary putting on this program nationwide.

“It’s designed to bring joy to older adults in our community during the holiday season. As a community, we can come together and give gifts to our aging adults that will help bring them cheer in the holiday season.”

Ornaments adorning Christmas trees at the Home Instead office at 327 Prideaux St. will contain senior gift requests, which you can then purchase and return to the delivery boxes located under the tree.

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From there, volunteers will collect the donations and deliver them to a senior in need this holiday season.

“Anything from personal hygiene products like deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, body wash, to clothing items to maybe help keep somebody warm, socks, mitts, hats, slippers, they can go into household items, something like a water bottle, even face clothes and towels,” said King. “Any cleaning products. Any activity items, like crossword books, word search, adult colouring books, playing cards, and even gift cards.”

She said they reach out to local home care facilities and other local agencies who assist seniors to make sure nobody is left off their gift-giving list.

To donate, or to register a deserving senior in your life, you can go to beasantatoasenior.com, or call their Nanaimo office at 250-739-7777. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 15.

You can also make a donation from their Amazon wish list which can be found here on their website.

According to their website, 2.1 million gifts have been given out to approximately 750,000 seniors worldwide since the program first started in 2003.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow