From left, Friends board members Robert McInnes, Joanne Morell, with Brightview Director Brian Patton, Friends of the COA President Ken Greenly, Director Lois Shannon and Arlington Officer Brendan Flynn and Sgt. Robert Pedrini. / Photo by Art Budnik
In an emerging holiday tradition, Santa gift stockings are on their way to more than 70 of Arlington’s senior citizens who are alone for the holidays.
Arlington’s Council on Aging (COA) made note of local seniors in need of a holiday pick-me-up. Thanks to donors, volunteers and the Arlington Police Department, these senior citizens won’t be quite as alone.
A happy “Santa” — that is, a police officer — will be visiting homes over the holiday season in addition to our family volunteers to give a jolly knock on the door and the happy handover of a Santa stocking filled with practical and fun things to an elder person who truly welcomes it.
The gift stockings were distributed to volunteer delivery elves at a holiday celebration hosted by Arlington’s Brightview assisted living, where residents also help by decorating stockings that Brightview filled with gifts for this program, too.
The stockings were decorated by the Arlington elementary students from Ms. Greenfield fifth-grade art students from the Dallin School as well as some industrious and creative donor families. They were filled with a variety of practical gifts, such as postage stamps, gloves, tooth brushes and treats.
Additionally, each stocking had a gift card added, so the individual can pick up a few things for the holidays.
COA volunteers are delivering the holiday pick-me-ups from Dec. 16 through Saturday, Dec. 31.
Each year, an increasing number of Arlington families donate decorated and stuffed Santa-style stockings.
The Friends of the ACOA purchases about $1,500 of gift cards to go along with the program and fill in items as needed for the program.
The Friends of the Arlington Council on Aging is a 501 (c) (3) all volunteer public charity, dedicated to helping Arlington’s senior citizens.
Learn more at www.friendsarlingtoncoa.org/or email info[@]FriendsArlingtonCOA.org.
This announcement was published Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016.
