When we think of Christmas, we often think about the kids. Sitting on Santa’s lap, waiting up all night on Christmas Eve, presents magically appearing under the tree on Christmas morning.
In all the excitement over the kids, though, we often forget about others in need – senior citizens, for instance, many of whom live alone, have little to no family, and struggle daily to make ends meet.
But there’s a way that you can help. Local business Home Instead Senior Care partners every year with a variety of non-profits, churches and municipal agencies to organize a gift-giving drive called “Be A Santa To A Senior.” (“Be A Santa” is a national initiative; Home Instead is running the local drive in Chapel Hill.)
It’s easy to get involved. Organizers have put up Christmas trees at three spots around town: Starbucks at Eastgate, Talbots at Eastgate, and the UPS Store on Fordham Boulevard. Those trees are decorated with tags, each with the name of a local senior and an item they’ve requested. Pull a tag off the tree, buy the item and drop it off at the location, and Home Instead workers will deliver the items beginning next week. (Home Instead franchise owner Stephen Lair says delivering the presents is the highlight of his year.)
Stephen Lair spoke with WCHL’s Aaron Keck.
The trees will be up until Friday, December 18.
Even if you can’t get involved in the “Be A Santa” initiative this year, Lair says you can make a difference in a senior’s life anytime.
“There is a ton of seniors out there that we can’t touch,” he says. “Reach out this holiday season. Reach out and make contact with them, make them a cookie – whatever it takes to make sure they’re not alone on Christmas.”
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