A program that surprises seniors at Christmas is returning this year.
Santa for Seniors offers the opportunity for people to anonymously nominate seniors living in North and South Queens to receive a present over Christmas.
Organizer Kendra Shot posts the seniors who have been nominated on the Santa for Seniors Queens County Facebook page. She identifies them only by number and their gender when creating a wish list of a few items for each nominee.
Shot got the idea after hearing about a similar program being operated in Bridgewater and Halifax.
“So it snowballed from there and we started it here and it’s pretty popular,” said Shot.
People can choose which senior they wish to adopt by commenting on the post or by contacting her directly.
Shot said every recipient reacts differently to receiving anonymous presents and sometimes their pride prevents them from accepting the gifts. But once it’s explained that someone thought enough to want to give them a present, it is warmly received.
“But the majority of people basically stood there with tears in their eyes or crying because somebody actually thought of them,” said Shot. “And where so many are living alone, God knows what Christmas is going to be like this year.”
Shot said the idea took off last year with 205 seniors being adopted to receive gifts. This year the group is tracking to smash through that total with over 300 names on her list already.
The wish lists generally ask for toiletries, chocolates, warm clothing and gift cards but Shot said when putting the gift bags together, most people go above and beyond what is expected.
“Everybody goes overboard, which is fine, but it feels good. I think that is the main point,” said Shot. “People are doing it because it makes them feel good that they are helping somebody else as well.”
Shot is taking precautions with COVID-19. Presents are dropped off at Route 3 cellar and then quarantined before being delivered by her team of eight volunteer elves between December 20 and 23.
To nominate a senior to be adopted or to adopt one yourself, follow this link.
Reported by Ed Halverson
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson