With the holidays nearing and the economy still sagging, organizers of an annual gift drive for homebound seniors were worried they would fall short on gifts.
After a story ran in the Daily Breeze on Dec. 5, the 7th annual Be a Santa to a Senior outreach effort netted over 600 donated gifts in the week before Christmas. Volunteers wrapped all the presents at a party on Dec. 16, and they were delivered before the holiday.
Organizers with Torrance Home Instead Senior Care said they were grateful for all those who donated, along with the 200 or so volunteers who came out to wrap gifts.
"I think folks instinctively understood that the economic downturn has created an even greater need for just the basics and they donated whatever they could," said Farrah Benedict, operations manager of the home care agency.
Here was the saddest thing about this story: The gift requests made by seniors included such mundane things as toothbrushes, cat food and grocery story gift cards. Apparently, even the basics are becoming luxuries for those without means.
Thanks to the influx of donations, the seniors also received fun and festive items in addition to the items on their list. Organizers thank those who participated.
Leave a comment