Home Instead plays Santa to its seniors

A Home Instead branch embodied the giving spirit of Christmas by presenting gifts to the elderly in its community.

A Home Instead branch in Pennsylvania made sure none of the elderly people in its community experienced a lonely Christmas day with no gifts.

The senior care franchise in Blair County came up with the ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ programme. It encouraged the local community and businesses across the county to donate a gift to an elderly person who wouldn’t be getting a gift this Christmas. Home Instead distributed wish lists around the town giving people ideas of the kinds of gifts they’d like and thanks to the generosity of the local people, the franchise was able to make Christmas a happier time for many older residents.

Home Instead was blown away by the generosity this year, as it received gifts for more than 300 seniors who may not have been expecting anything at all. The presents were then decorated with festive doodles by local preschool children, adding a heart-warming personal touch to each package. The franchise distributed them in late December and was met with a fantastic response from all who received the surprise festive treat.

Bonnie Butler, Engagement Coordinator for Home Instead, said that the charitable festive experience was a truly special one.

"It's priceless, you can't, there's no way to put it in more words than that. What that means to know that we're able to help people that have no family, have nothing and to brighten their holiday by giving them a simple gift."

Home Instead provides a caring and compassionate alternative to residential care for those in need of a hand around the house. From personal care to companionship and much more, Home Instead’s carers are dedicated to helping each client live a happy, fulfilled life in their own beloved home.