‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ program helps bring holiday cheer to retirement home

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — Wednesday, community members in Lexington came together with hundreds of gifts for an annual “Be a Santa to a Senior” program.

For 20 years, Home Instead has collected gifts for seniors who are often over-looked, isolated or alone during the holiday season.

Our photojournalist Dylan Scheid was at Connie Griffith Manor and spoke with two organizers about its importance.

“This such a special event each year to be able to give back to seniors in our community that may not have someone and this sometimes may be their only gift. So this is a really special time to do that,” said General Manager Brent Stephens.

“Just a special thank you to the community because they really stepped up. As you see, these gifts are amazing. They go above and beyond; a lot of times they have two or three gift bags, not just one,” said Quality Care Consultant Whitney Villasana.

Unwrapped gifts need to be returned to the Home Instead office with the ornament attached later this week.

The gifts will be delivered to the seniors just in time for the holidays.