Lexington families and friends are being asked to step up for a cause that hits close to home: helping seniors in our community enjoy a brighter holiday season. Home Instead’s “Be a Santa to a Senior” program, now in its 23rd year, connects volunteers with nearly 600 seniors who are lonely, low‑income, or simply could use a helping hand during the holidays.
How the program works
Volunteers stop by Home Instead’s Lexington office at 165 Moore Dr., select a light‑bulb‑shaped tag from a decorated Christmas tree, and purchase the items listed for the senior attached to that bulb. Once the gifts are collected, they are returned to the office and placed under the tree for distribution.
Growing need among seniors
“It is a program that targets people that are lonely and low income in our community that just need a little bit of love during the holiday season,” said Quality Care Consultant Whitney Villasana, who has helped run the initiative for several years. The demand has risen dramatically. “The first few years I did it, it was 200, 300,” Villasana recalled. “This year it is just very shy of 600.”
Home Instead owner Frank Richards noted that the surge reflects a broader demographic shift. “There’ll be more people over 65 or over 80 actually than there are under 18,” he said. “So just kind of the demographics is shifting quite a lot in this country.”
What seniors are asking for
Requests range from modest comforts—such as slippers, a robe, pajamas, or a large‑print word search—to basic necessities. One senior simply asked for toilet paper, a need that “broke my heart,” Villasana said.
These wishes highlight the everyday challenges many older adults face, especially those living on limited incomes. By fulfilling these items, volunteers provide not just material aid but also a reminder that the community cares.
How to help
Donations can be dropped off at the Home Instead office Monday‑Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For those who prefer to deliver gifts directly, a drop‑off window is scheduled for December 4th, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. A full wish list is available online via the program’s Amazon link.
Why participation matters
Richards emphasized that the program does more than provide gifts; it offers the wider community a chance to understand the challenges seniors confront daily. “When you’re able to engage the community and have them participate in understanding the needs that a lot of our seniors face, that’s really something that gives you a lot of warmth inside because it’s impactful right to an individual’s lives,” he said.
Local churches, civic groups, and families are encouraged to get involved, reinforcing the Christian values of compassion and service that underpin many Lexington neighborhoods.
Looking ahead
As the population ages, initiatives like “Be a Santa to a Senior” become increasingly vital. By rallying volunteers now, Lexington can ensure that its seniors feel valued, supported, and included in the joy of the season.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
