"Be a Santa to a Senior" Brightens the Holidays for Isolated and Forgotten Seniors in Central Contra Costa County

November 11, 2008

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. - Local seniors who otherwise might be forgotten this holiday season will receive gifts and companionship through the fourth annual "Be a Santa to a Senior" program. Non-profit senior agencies and area retailers are partnering with event sponsor Home Instead Senior Care of Walnut Creek to brighten the lives of Bay Area seniors in central Contra Costa County.

"While we focus on children during this time of year, we also must remember our older generation that too often is overlooked," said Martie Cruz, owner of the local Home Instead Senior Care office, serving the in-home, non-medical needs of 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."  

From Friday, Nov. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 18, shoppers can select ornaments from "Be a Santa to a Senior" trees at Rite Aid stores in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Orinda, Martinez, Alamo and Concord.

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

Senior residents from Magnolia of Millbrae, Atria Daly City, and The Waterford at Rossmoor will help gift wrap the donated gifts.  Home Instead Senior Care and community volunteers will deliver donated gifts on Dec. 22 and 23.   

To find out about volunteer opportunities, contact Home Instead Senior Care at (877) 808-2700 or mcruz@seniorsbayarea.com. Businesses are encouraged to contact Home Instead Senior Care office about adopting groups of seniors.  For more information about the program and tree locations, log on to www.santatoasenior.com.

Since "Be a Santa to a Senior" was launched nationally five years ago, Home Instead Senior Care franchises across the country have helped provide more than 930,000 gifts to nearly 570,000 seniors.