Home Instead seeking more volunteers for 'Be a Santa to a Senior'

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and Home Instead Senior Care is spreading some holiday cheer. A few weeks back, the organization kicked off their ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ initiative. This allows seniors in the community to receive items they want/need this holiday season.

“We get senior adults' names from organizations that are in Meridian and the surrounding area,” said Owner of Home Instead Senior Care Charrisa Shirley. “They send a list of needs that they want or that they need--things that they could use in their home or just a physical body.”

Once that list of names come in, each name is written on a light bulb and placed on the Christmas tree for those in the community to choose from.

“What you do is, you get the gifts--we make bulbs and it has the name and then the needs on the back. You never get to meet your person, but as you come in, you get a bulb, take it home and buy the items and you bring them back in a box. After that, we mark them off, wrap them, then call the organization that gave us the name, they come by and get it and then deliver it to the client that is listed on the bulb.”

The organization recently held a drive through pickup for names of seniors, but they still have a few left on the tree to hand out. Shirley says they have already begun receiving gifts, but want to make sure other seniors still get their Christmas wish as well.

“Just come and support senior adults and be able to give back to those that cannot buy for themselves and do not feel comfortable getting out and about," said Shirley.

Shirley says they will be distributing light bulbs until they run out. They will also have another drive through pick up for those who still want to participate. Home Instead Senior Care is located at 4525 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian, MS. For more information, visit beasantatoasenior.com.