Be a Santa to a senior

Local seniors who otherwise might be forgotten this holiday season will receive gifts and companionship through the third annual Be a Santa to a Senior program. Area retailers are partnering with event sponsor Home Instead Senior Care of Naples/Fort Myers to brighten the lives of seniors in Lee and Collier counties.

"While we focus on children during this time of year, we also must remember our older generation that too often is overlooked," said Bill Bidwell, owner of the local Home Instead Senior Care office, providing companionship and non-medical home care for seniors. "But it's not just about the gifts. The program is also designed to provide social interaction for seniors who are unlikely to have guests during the holidays."

Through Friday, Dec. 12, shoppers can select ornaments from Be a Santa to a Senior trees at select Bealls Outlets, Moe's Southwest Grill locations, and Sunshine Pharmacies

along with the Smoke-N-Pit, Calusa Harbor, Grand Court and Bonita Health Center.

Each ornament lists the first name of a senior in need, along with gift requests. Seniors were selected by participating senior organizations. Holiday shoppers can purchase gifts and return them unwrapped, along with the ornament, to the tree location.

Home Instead Senior Care then enlists the volunteer help of the community and its staff to collect, wrap, and distribute the gifts.

Deliveries will take place between Dec. 15 and 23. Volunteers are encouraged to contact Home Instead Senior Care at 596-2030 or laura.gillian@homeinstead.com. Businesses are encouraged to contact the local Home Instead Senior Care office about adopting groups of seniors. For more information about the program and tree locations, go to www.beasantatoasenior.com.