Although the pandemic impacted the way we normally celebrate the holiday season, CMPDD Area on Aging staff successfully executed the 2020 Annual “Santa for Seniors Project”. The Jackson Association of Health Underwriters (JAHU) and Home Instead Senior Care provided Christmas gifts to over 165 needy seniors in our seven-county area. While navigating through these unprecedented times, Home Instead Senior Care and Amazon collaborated to ensure the annual project would take place and quickly developed a system which purchases could be made online and delivered safely to the District’s Lakeland Drive office.
Seniors were asked for their wish lists and the sponsors supplied the items. Robes, blankets, towels, electric heaters, shower chairs, and toiletries are just some of the items purchased for seniors who are homebound and in long term care facilities. Case Managers presented gifts to the seniors who were uplifted and expressed appreciation by the generosity extended to them.
Because of the sponsors continued participation with this project, the District has been able to provide many needy seniors with Christmas cheer and joy during the holiday season for over thirty years. We are grateful for the interest and generous support of our sponsors and look forward to working with them in the future.