Santa for Seniors is a grass-roots, volunteer effort to share the Christmas spirit with Wiregrass Seniors who are in need of basic necessities and home repairs. Made possible by our community’s compassionate giving, this project brings Christmas cheer to seniors throughout our seven county region.
The Wiregrass Santa for Seniors project began in 2006 in partnership with Westar Aerospace & Defense Group of Daleville, Ala. Little did we know what an impact it would have on the recipients, staff, volunteers and all those who donate to the project.
Santa for Seniors recipients are clients of SARCOA or one of the senior centers in our seven county region. Modest wish lists are gathered by case workers and then distributed in the Wiregrass area by e-mail, mail, word of mouth or media.
Common items requested are not traditional gifts as we think of Christmas, but rather items such as Depends, bed pads, bug spray, Ensure, blankets and food. Last year, cash donations provided relief to seniors who were behind on doctors’, pharmacy, gas and electric bills, even house payments, as well as assisting with hearing aid purchases and wigs and CT screenings for cancer victims.
Most of these seniors’ limited budgets do not allow for home repairs or pest control. Through the Santa for Seniors project, monetary donations fund these essential home repairs and maintenance.
Over the past three years, the program has grown in terms of both the number of seniors assisted and the volume of donations. In 2008, gifts and support came from all parts of the Wiregrass community. Combining gifts from several hundred donors, a total of 374 Wiregrass seniors had their needs met. This year, almost 500 clients received Christmas gifts and home repairs.
Gifts are gathered at a drop site location and then distributed by case workers and volunteers.
If you would like to get involved in this project, e-mail our office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at 334-793-6843.
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Santa for Seniors Collection Site 2009
