You’re probably familiar with the Christmas Tree Angel program where the public can select a tag and purchase a gift for a child in need. There’s a similar program for senior citizens.
Many older adults are aging alone and without family. Jennifer Kehren is with Benevilla, a nonprofit in the West Valley that provides home and community based services to seniors.
"At Christmas time, we saw that most of them don't have any Christmas gifts," Kehren said.
She says Benevilla participates in a “Be A Santa to A Senior” Program, which provides gifts to those who might not otherwise receive something.
"They want things like the basics like socks or a robe or slippers. But we've also had people ask for things like a lint roller," she said.
So they partnered with Debbie Gross, the owner of Home Instead in the northwest Valley, Surprise and northern Arizona. Gross oversees the “Be A Santa to A Senior” Program, which has been around for 20 years.
"And all of the tags are going to a senior who needs, like Jennifer said, very basic things. Somebody put they wanted a pack of gum," Gross said.
Gross says they will fulfill over 1000 Christmas wishes this year.
Kehren says they’ve seen an increase in older adults who require additional support to age at home, but can’t afford it, so they turn to places like Benevilla.
