Special to IFN
As the community enters the season of giving, Home Instead is encouraging resident in Iredell and Alexander counties to help brighten the holidays for older adults who may be feeling isolated or alone. Through the Be a Santa to a Senior program, residents can spread joy by giving a special holiday gift to seniors who might otherwise go without.
“A simple, thoughtful gift can bring immense happiness to an older adult who may not have family around to celebrate with,” said Creighton Gibson, owner of the Home Instead office in Iredell and Alexander counties. “Be a Santa to a Senior is about more than
presents—it’s about showing care, love, and letting these individuals know they are not forgotten.”
Last year, over 5,000 older adults in Iredell and Alexander received gifts thanks to the incredible support of the community. This year, organizers aim to collect 7,000 gifts to share the holiday spirit with local seniors once again.
The program celebrates its 19th year in our area, continuing its tradition of spreading cheer to those who need it most.
How to Get Involved
Community members can participate by visiting Be a Santa to a Senior trees or displays located at the Statesville Walmart, Mooresville Walmart, Jon C. Packman General Dentistry, or Mooresville Chamber of Commerce, Groucho’s and Carolina Tan and Wellness
Each tree will feature ornaments with the name and gift wish of an older adult in need. Shoppers can select an ornament, purchase the desired gift, and return it unwrapped or in a gift bag to the location with the ornament attached. Ornaments will be available from November 1 to December 10, and gifts will be delivered to seniors in time for the holidays.
“This program is about so much more than giving gifts—it’s about creating moments of joy and connection between older adults and the community,” said Gibson. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the smile on a senior’s face when they open their gift and feel the love behind it.”
Partners
Be a Santa to a Senior is a true community initiative, powered by the generosity of local businesses, nonprofit organizations, retailers, and volunteers. This year, the Home Instead office serving Iredell and Alexander counties has partnered with many program partners, retailers, and non-profit partners to help with gift collection and distribution, including
• Randy Marion Ford Lincoln of Statesville
• Groucho’s Deli
• Carolina Tan & Wellness
• Allen Tate Realtors of Statesville
• Pratt Industries
• Rotary Club of Greater Statesville
• Mitchell Nursing Center
• Energy United
• McCombs Steel
• YanJan
• Davie Internal Medicine – Piedmont HealthCare
• Ahlara International Spa
• Felicity Manor
• Exchange Club of LKN
• Forge Consulting LLC
Since its inception in 2003, Be a Santa to a Senior has mobilized over 65,000 volunteers, provided approximately 2.5 million gifts, and made the holidays brighter for more than 750,000 deserving older adults nationwide.
LEARN MORE
For more information on how to get involved, call 704-924-9909. To learn more about ways to help older adults in Iredell and Alexander counties, visit www.homeinstead.com/455.