JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Santa For Seniors, a program dedicated to donating gifts and goods for those left feeling alone for the holidays, is in full swing for this year’s holiday season.
Founded by Laura Mulkey, Site and Volunteer Coordinator for the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) in Chattanooga, Santa for Seniors started back in 2014 as a way to give back to the agency’s clientele, especially those who do not have much for the holidays. Whether it be family or friends that they don’t see or have lost, or even much food to provide themselves with.
“When I started this program, it was more of us having way too much and I wanted to give back to our clients because I knew there was a lot of them that were doing without.” explained Mulkey. She also noted that when first starting out the program, she was left rather nervous at first because of fears of not receiving and sending out enough bags of gifts and goods for the agency’s clients. However, it turned out to be a success for their first year, surpassing past 25 gift bags in total and since then growing in numbers each year.
“We exceeded, I think, by like 25 extra. So we were able to pass those along to some of our other clients in our area. And in each year we have grown, and last year I got over 1,600 bags” she noted. All gift bags are made and donated from local businesses and churches that help volunteer for the program. And all of the bags get sent out to all senior centers and homes associated with AAAD, which covers senior centers across 10 different counties in Southeastern Tennessee. The Whitwell Senior Center is one of those facilities that are provided with gift bags for the center’s clientele, being the only place for the local populace of its kind in all of Marion County. Sandy Tennille, Director of the Senior Center, explained how the facility worked in conjunction with AAAD for the program for five years, donating up to 75 bags each year to locals and visitors who come in. And like Mulkey, Tenille explained that the main goal of the program is to give back to those who are alone and with nothing for the holidays, especially those who have lost the last of their relatives, or don’t even have anyone that visits with them.
“Some of these people, the only Christmas they get is with us. A lot of times we’re the only person they see every day,” stated Tennille. She and others working at the Whitwell Senior Center are excited to be giving back to and once again handing out gifts to those left neglected for the holiday season, even expressing on how it is a lot of fun to come together and prepare all the gift bags to give out to the local senior community.
“It makes you feel good to give when you know that they need it.” added Sandy. Volunteers are always welcomed to help donate and contribute to the program itself as well, as everyone slowly sets up and prepares for yet another season of giving and holiday cheer. The Whitwell Senior Center collects for those who visit the center but also for clients including those who participate in the Meals on Wheels or are homebound. If you would like to adopt a senior for the holiday you may put together a gender-neutral gift bag valued at $35 per senior adopted. Gift bags are due no later than December 4. These are just suggestions. Feel free to use your imagination.
The 2024 Suggestion List is as follows:
Umbrella
Lap Desk
House shoes/slippers/socks with grips/slipper socks
Cards/stamps/envelopes
Note pad/pen
Blanket/throw
Snacks
Boost/Ensure
Carnation Instant Breakfast/Nestle Quik
Granola Bars
Fruit/apple sauce (individual containers please)
Microwaveable pasta meals (ramen, etc.)
Batteries
Bath Towels/Wash Cloths
Napkins/paper towels/toilet paper
Garbage bags
First Aid kit
Laundry detergent/fabric softener/dryer sheets
Reusable Cup with straw
Disposable razors
Don’t forget to enclose a Christmas Card!
