Blankets, bath towels, toiletries, non-perishable foods, diabetic socks are some of the items on the wish lists of local senior citizens who likely will have no visitors or gifts this holiday season.
For the 12th year, Sandy Haywood and her local franchise of Home Instead Health Care of Merrillville, is looking to connect seniors with “secret Santas” to provide some gifts.
Home Instead Senior Care of Merrillville has identified about 375 local senior citizens who may not have a visitor or receive a holiday gift, Aimee Schallenkamp, community service representative, said.
Schallenkamp said the company has placed angel trees in 11 locations around the area with ornaments containing a senior’s wish request. Anyone interested may pick up an ornament at one of the locations, purchase the gift and either return it to the location or to the Home Instead office in Merrillville.
Schallenkamp said they called churches, senior housing facilities, senior centers and adult day cares to try and identify lonely seniors and people who may not receive a gift this holiday season.
“We try to get the people who may not be getting a visitor this season. This way they get a visitor and a gift,” she said, adding they try to keep the program secret so recipients are surprised. “It’s better when we surprise them.”
Superior Ambulance will help with deliveries, providing Santa and his transportation for a few hours, she said.
The program has also partnered with Meals on Wheels to provide opportunities this year for people who would rather make a financial donation than add to their Christmas shopping list. Schallenkamp said a $23.50 donation will provide five meals to a senior in need. Envelopes for donations to be mailed directly to Meals on Wheels are available on the angel trees.
“It’s unbelievable how generous people are,” she said.
Horizon Bank in Merrillville has been a tree site for years. The bank’s Munster branch now also participates.
“Horizon Bank is happy to support the Be a Santa to a Senior program again this year,” the company said in a statement.
Angel trees went up Nov. 16 and will continue with gifts being collected through Dec. 16.
Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Be a Santa to a Senior tree locations
* Spring Mill Health Campus, 101 W. 87th Ave., Merrillville
* Cedar Creek Health Campus located at 18275 Burr St., Lowell
* Avalon Springs Health Campus located at 2400 Silhavy Road, Valparaiso
* Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage located at 6235 Sterling Creek Road, Portage
* Rittenhouse Senior Living of Valparaiso located at 1300 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso
* Schererville Chamber of Commerce office, located at 149 E. Joliet St., Schererville
* Residences at Deer Creek located at 401 E. U.S. 30, Schererville
* Symphony of Dyer located at 1532 Calumet Ave., Dyer
* Symphony of Crown Point located at 1555 S. Main St., Crown Point
* Horizon Bank located at 10429 Calumet Ave., Munster
* Horizon Bank located at 8590 Broadway, Merrillville
Anyone interested in helping may pick up an ornament at any of the tree locations or contact Home Instead Senior Care at 219-793-9023 or visit www.beasantatoasenior.com.
