Here’s how the program, which runs from November 9-December 11, works: Prior to the holiday season, the participating local non-profit organizations will identify seniors in the community and provide names to Home Instead Senior Care for this community service program. Christmas trees, which will go up in the locations below on November 9, will feature ornaments with the first names only of the seniors and their respective gift requests.

•LeHoty’s Hallmark, 34313 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, Ohio

•First Federal of Lakewood (Avon, Avon Lake & North Ridgeville branches)

•Infinity Athletics, 33620 Pin Oak Parkway, Avon Lake, Ohio

•Tuffy Auto Service (Elyria & Amherst locations)

Holiday shoppers can pick up an ornament, buy items on the list and return them unwrapped to the store, along with the ornament attached. Home Instead Senior Care then enlists the volunteer help of its staff, senior-care business associates, non-profit workers and others to collect, wrap and distribute the gifts to these seniors. A community
gift-wrapping event will be held on December 13 at Infinity Athletics in Avon Lake.

“Be a Santa to a Senior is a way to show our gratitude to those older adults who have contributed so much to our community,” Wolff said. “We hope to reach out to many with this gesture of holiday cheer and goodwill.”

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering to help with the gift-wrapping event, contact the office at 440-353-3080. Businesses are encouraged to contact the local Home Instead Senior Care office about adopting groups of seniors. For tree locations in your area, or for more information about the program, log on to www.beasantatoasenior.com.