Monday, November 23, 2009

Santa Sacks Brighten Holidays for Seniors

WE ALL HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR

If you have your health and are still able to be somewhat productive, on your own, out and about, making your own decisions and handling your own business transactions, you have much to be thankful for -- even if each year seems to bring a few more aches and pains and finds you moving at a slower pace than the year before.

Hundreds of seniors in our community are not so fortunate. For many of them, being alone is an every day occurrence, getting out and about is not an option, fixing even a small meal is out of the question, even if they could afford to buy the fixings.

Most of our clients average 8 to 12 prescriptions -- some have as many as 20-plus! Even with insurance, there’s not much left out of their meager incomes after paying for medical costs.

The holidays can be extremely stressful for people of all ages. We hear constantly of young parents struggling to buy their children the very best Christmas presents. Society, unfortunately, thinks only high-priced toys and electronics can prove our love. In my era, Santa brought what Santa could afford, and love was showered by parents being there for their children. Buying what you could afford was a life lesson well taught. Children learned to be appreciative for what they received.

Many strive to make sure Santa finds all the children. Now, what about our elderly? Can Santa ignore those who live alone, who are unable to go shopping and who couldn’t pay for extras if they could get to the store. Many of our elderly have outlived their family and friends and have no one to play Santa for them.

Would you like to help Santa make the season a little merrier for our elderly? Once again we will collect “Santa’s Sacks for Seniors” at the Center.

When you’re out and about doing your holiday shopping, pick up a few little extras that an elderly person would enjoy and use. A little something can bring so much cheer to a shut-in. Each year we are amazed at the ingenuity of our Santas.

Here’s a few ideas from the past: stationery, pens, stamps, small cans of meat products, lotions, plain soaps, slipper socks, razors, note pads, large lettered books, puzzle books, sugar-free snacks, calendars, address book, small flashlight, a grocery store gift card. This should get your imagination going. (Please no perishable foods, used goods, or sized clothing.)

Your bag can be strictly for a lady, a man, or a generic one to use for either. You don’t really have to spend a lot of money. For our seniors, the thought is definitely more important than the gift. For our staff, the highlight of our year is looking forward to delivering the gifts and seeing the joy they bring to our seniors.

After you select your items, please place them in a holiday gift bag and drop them off at the Senior Friendship Center, 23 No. Polk Av., in the Way Bldg., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday. We need to have all of the gifts by Friday, December 11, to allow delivery time for Santa’s Helpers.

If you know of an elderly person facing a lonely holiday, please phone the office at 863-494-5965 with that person’s name, address, and directions to find them. We will make sure they receive a Santa Sack, too.

Touching the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves is what the season is all about. You will not find a more appreciative group than our elderly. Be assured that your gift will be enjoyed.
Remember, together we can make DeSoto County a caring place to grow old.

Karen Blanchette is Director of Senior Friendship Centers of DeSoto County and can be reached at 863-494-5965.