We like to keep secrets . . . but this is a secret we must share. The needs of many seniors throughout the Quad City area is expected to increase this Holiday season by nearly 40%.
Many older adults spend the holidays alone, in their homes with little to no friends or family support. It’s estimated that more than 50% of adults report feeling lonely during the holiday season. This feeling can be intensified for older adults who have lost loved ones over the years. Many seniors report not leaving their homes and not receiving any visitors or gifts during the holiday season.
At The Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI), we see many older adults whose gift list consists of everyday household and personal care items such as laundry soap, socks, pajamas or new under garments. They are not looking for extravagant gifts costing hundreds of dollars. They are hoping for items of everyday comfort and care as well as the warm feelings brought by spending time with those who care for them.
We need your help. CASI is ensuring that older adults are not forgotten this holiday season.
It is easy to be a part of the gift giving program. Visit casiseniors.org or stop into CASI and tell the receptionist the amount of money you’d like to donate. You can also pick up a senior wish list item from our tree and shop for them directly. Funds raised through the Senior Secret Santa program will be used to purchase gifts and provide services for seniors during the holidays and throughout the year.
About the program:
To be eligible for the Senior Secret Santa program, individuals must 60+ years old and would otherwise not have a Christmas if not for this program. Household annual must be less than $24,100 for a single person or, if married, less than $27,500. Recipients must be a current client of CASI, Milestones Area Agency on Aging, or Alternatives for the Older Adult.
For more information, please call CASI, The Center for Active Seniors at (563) 386-7477.
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