For the third year in a row, some Queens county seniors can look forward to a surprise in their stocking.

Santa for Seniors gives people the opportunity to donate gifts anonymously to seniors living in Queens.

Organizer Kendra Shot says over that time, the program has grown from supplying 250 presents in the first year to providing over 400 seniors with gifts this Christmas.

Shot says about 60 per cent of the people on her list are returning seniors but ensuring those numbers are accurate can be difficult.

“Make sure that everybody that’s on my list is looked after and are still in their residence. But a lot of them have passed on, a lot of them have been moved to homes. It’s challenging but I don’t want anyone to go without.”

Donors can sponsor a senior from an anonymous list posted on the Seniors for Santa Facebook page.

Traditionally, gifts would include items such as toiletries, sweets and warm clothes but this year Shot has seen a drastic increase in requests for gas and grocery gift cards.

“A lot of the seniors are choosing between heat and food so the gift cards actually, are going to help tremendously.”

Shot says the pandemic has been particularly hard on senior’s pocketbooks.

“I’ve had people ask for warming blankets, little electric blanket throws for their couch so they don’t have to turn their heat up. It breaks my heart.”

Shot says once again, the people of Queens have opened their hearts and all but 50 or so seniors have been adopted.

The last day to sponsor a senior is Friday.

Gifts can be left at Route 3 Cellar Tap Room and Grill or at the Liverpool offices of Belliveau Veinotte chartered accountants.

Shot says she and a team of volunteers will distribute the present between Dec. 20 and 23.

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