VANCOUVER — Clark County residents shared in the holiday spirit this season by supporting older adults who otherwise may have spent the holiday alone. Through the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program, community members gave special holiday gifts to elders to the community.
“A simple gift can bring such joy to older adults who may not have loved ones to celebrate with,” said Julie Williams, owner of the Vancouver Home Instead office. “Through Be a Santa to a Senior, we can help them feel the holiday spirit.”
Last year, more than 250 older adults in Vancouver received gifts, and program coordinators hoped to collect gifts for 250 local seniors again this year. This is the program’s 14th year in the area.
“Be a Santa to a Senior” trees were placed in prominent community spaces and businesses throughout the greater Vancouver area. Each tree was decorated with ornaments that bore the names of older community members, along with their desired Christmas gifts. Shoppers then used these ornaments to purchase the requested items, returning the unwrapped gifts to their trees of origin in time for Christmas delivery.
