A local group of volunteers are hoping to bring some holiday cheer to senior residents who may have spent the majority of 2020 isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
An initiative called "Santa for Seniors" aims to collect Christmas cards and gifts over the next week so that they can be delivered later this month to residents at retirement and nursing homes, senior centres, and to those who are included in all Meals on Wheels programs in Chatham-Kent.
“This year has been particularly challenging for so many people in our community, and there have been lots of great ways to help with these challenges. Isolation is another challenge, especially for seniors, and we hope to brighten their day with some gifts and cards from every corner of Chatham-Kent,” said co-organizer Dava Robichaud.
Residents are asked to write Christmas cards and donate gifts for gift boxes. Some recommended items include toiletries, cookies, tea, puzzles, hats, gloves, stationery, and other small gifts.
The initiative is being supported by TekSavvy. Organizers said gifts and cards will be accepted until December 18. Volunteers will sanitize items before they are wrapped and delivered the week of December 21.
Gifts and cards can be dropped off at several locations listed below.
- TekSavvy Security Kiosk at 800 Richmond St. in Chatham (Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) - United Way of Chatham Kent at 425 McNaughton Ave. West in Chatham (Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) - Ridgetown Adult Activity Centre - Blenheim Youth Centre - United Way in Tilbury
