Active living facilitated by community members

Many seniors who receive homecare, or who live in senior housing, are constantly surrounded by others. But for seniors who are living by themselves, the holidays can be a lonely time. A program in Torrance, California, Be a Santa to a Senior, is making it possible for community members to reach out to those who are in need of some attention.

The program has placed Christmas trees in high-traffic areas like gyms and malls. The trees are adorned with ornaments, and each decoration has a senior's first name written on it.


Participants can head over to one of the trees and pick out a name. Then they can purchase a gift during their holiday shopping and leave it under the tree with the ornament attached.


Volunteers can next prepare the gifts during a city-wide "wrapping day," and distribute the presents to the local seniors.


Many of the community's businesses have contributed to the event, which is now in its sixth year.


"We're grateful for this additional community support so we can help create a brighter holiday for more seniors who are often the forgotten ones at this time of year," Denise de Cock, registered nurse, told Torrance Home Instead Senior Care.



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