Christmas can be a lonely time for seniors without family. But Timmins residents can make a big difference by spreading a little Christmas cheer locally.
Plan A Timmins is running its third annual Adopt-a-Senior program this holiday season.
“The way it works, we partner with local long-term care homes and retirement homes, and we receive lists of residents who may not necessarily have any visitors during holiday time and would be alone,” said Michelle Lambert, administrative assistant with Plan A Timmins.
Seniors chosen create short wish lists, which are then distributed to donors. The names of the recipients are kept confidential. Donors shop for the items, which usually have a total value between $25-50.
“The lists are fairly modest and may include a few items of clothing, personal care items,” Lambert said. “Some give you their personal interests, so you get direction that way.”
As a business, Plan A works with long-term care homes to help meet staffing needs. When facilities have a shortage in schedules due to vacation or illness, their staff fill the gaps. They work with homes in Timmins and its outlying areas.
For the second year, Plan A is partnering with the Timmins Rotary Club on the project.
“Last year, it was tremendously successful, so we’re excited to partner with them again this year,” she said. “They help us with volunteers, they help us drop off, being little Santa’s elves.”
Those wishing to get a wish list for a senior are urged to email Lambert at [email protected] or they can call Plan A at 705-531-7526.
“We already have some residents adopted,” she said. “They will have until Dec. 10 to drop off their gifts at our new office, located at 230 First Ave.
“Some homes have requested specific dates, so they have time to label the clothing and everything like that. Generally, we co-ordinate for the week before Christmas to give them time to sort and deliver everything.”
In the first year, the program helped about 70 seniors. It has grown to boost the spirits of about 200.
Staff at the facilities report the Adopt-a-Senior program is always a big hit with residents.
“They love it.” Lambert said. “We don’t get to deliver to the actual residents, which is kept confidential. But their staff say, with the gifts we drop off, they are just ecstatic. They are so, so happy.
“Some post videos on their social media. Others weren’t expecting anything are getting gifts and it just overwhelms them.
“One of our partners, they go all out and their director dresses up like Santa. His wife and kids are involved, dressed up like elves.”
