A program supporting seniors over the holidays has met its goal weeks ahead of its deadline.

Queens Santa’s for Seniors connects people with seniors to provide them with gift cards during this festive season.

Anyone can nominate a senior and seniors can nominate themselves to be put on the list. Organizer Kendra Shot then connects those on her list with people who have signed up to donate.

Shot launched this year’s program at the start of November and it didn’t take long to have 290 seniors signed up. On Nov 22 she announced every senior had been adopted.

Shot decided to set an early deadline to adopt a senior this year after getting down to the wire in 2022. “We went to the week before Christmas,” said Shot. “It was like five days before Christmas before I got everybody adopted. So, this year we got everybody adopted fast.”

Shot is extending her deadline and is accepting more seniors through the first week of December. She says she needs to cut it off then to ensure the cards can be delivered before Christmas.

Shot says seniors shouldn’t be shy about asking to be included.

“They’re more than welcome to nominate themselves as well. I don’t need a complete stranger to nominate you, if you want a little extra anything, just, please, shoot me a message,” said Shot.

People can still contact Shot through the Santa’s for Seniors Facebook page or by phone 902-646-0265.

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