Santa Claus is coming to Chatham-Kent this season, but not just for children.
The Christmas gift-giving program called Santa for Seniors is back for its fourth year, and a group of local volunteers is encouraging residents to write cards and give gifts to CK seniors once again.
“These past few years have been particularly challenging for so many people in our community, and there have been lots of great ways to help with these challenges," said co-organizer Dava Robichaud. "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."
The program is collecting gift donations like slippers, scarves, picture books, and treats that will be passed out to the elderly of Chatham-Kent who might have no family.
The idea began a few years ago and was inspired by many other fundraisers that took place in Chatham-Kent during the pandemic.
“Let's come together again as a community to send out as many cards and gifts to our senior population as we can," said Robichaud. If you’d like to contribute, spend some time this weekend with your family, and have some fun writing cards and putting together gift boxes."
Gift boxes can be picked up at the TekSavvy Security Kiosk at 800 Richmond Street in Chatham.
Organizers and volunteers will be sanitizing all gifts before boxes are wrapped.
Boxes and cards will be safely distributed to all retirement and nursing homes, and cards will be included in all Meals on Wheels deliveries in Chatham-Kent.
Boxes and cards will be accepted until Friday, December 15, 2023.
In addition to Santa for Seniors, the Chatham-Kent Public Library is also looking to spread the holiday cheer with this year’s “Cards with a Cause” event.
Teens are invited to join the staff at the Chatham Branch on November 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the meeting room to create hand-made cards for seniors at Riverview Gardens during the holidays.
High school students will be able to count this event toward their volunteer hours.
Students are asked to bring their volunteer sheets, so staff can sign off on it.
The program is open to teens aged 12 to 18.
