LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The ETHRA Office on Aging is conducting the Santa for Seniors program this holiday season. 

According to Director Becky Pierce, “While children are the beneficiaries of many holiday programs, people often don’t think about the isolated and lonely seniors who need to be remembered as well during the season.”

She is currently soliciting sponsors for needy seniors in both Campbell and Claiborne counties. 

The program is similar to Angel Tree except it is for low income and isolated seniors in the community.

Participants must have been nominated to write a “Santa Letter.” 

According to Pierce, she has chosen three representatives in the county that have contact with the older needy adults in the communities that will be making the referrals for this. Although if there is someone you would like to see put on the list you can contact her, and Pierce said she will try to find a sponsor for that person.

Nominated seniors will write a wish list for Santa. Those lists will be divided up among sponsors. Usually an office works out really well because you can pool resources for your person Pierce adds.

Sponsors will not know who their senior is-you will receive complete instructions with your wish list. Your tags will be numbered with an ID number.

Gifts will be picked up and distributed by the agencies that have been chosen to nominate the seniors leading up to Christmas Day.

Gifts will have to be dropped off at the ETHRA office at 2301Jacksboro Pike LaFollette by Dec. 17 to allow time for delivery.

“It’s important to note that most of the people we serve with this program aren’t on anyone’s Christmas list and would otherwise not be celebrating Christmas,” Pierce said.

If you are willing to be a Senior Santa, you can contact Becky Pierce at bpierce@ethra.org or by calling 865.705.9675. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/15/2021-6AM)

Related