50+ Lifestyles

Senior Secret Santa Program Launches

By Kathy Horrell

CASI Director of Senior Services

The holiday season (and it’s nearly upon us) is the time of year when we think of those who are less fortunate. Most of our thoughts and donations go to organizations that support children, families and the homeless. But each year more than 2,000 Quad City area older adults who go without holiday meals, gifts, and companionship due to lack of family, friends and financial resources.

The Center For Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) along with Milestones Area Agency on Aging, the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging, and Alternatives For the Older Adult, are working together to ensure that older adults are not forgotten about this holiday season through the Secret Senior Santa Program.

Starting November 1, community members will have the opportunity to donate to the Secret Senior Santa program at CASI or online at casiseniors.org/santa – any dollar amount they wish. Proceeds directly purchase holiday gifts through Secret Senior Santa Gift Giving Campaign.

In 2015, the Senior Secret Santa program, served more than 500 area seniors. Funds from this year’s campaign in addition to a portion of the proceeds from CASI’s Annual Holiday Hat Bash will be used to purchase as many gift on the wish lists as possible.

Commonly requested gifts are
• Shampoo/Conditioner/Soap
• Laundry soap/Dish soap/Cleaning supplies
• Blankets
• Diabetic supplies
• Household items (toasters, mixer, etc)
• Batteries for hearing aids
• Gift cards to grocery store/drug store
• Sock/Slippers
• Robes/Pajamas
• Clothing/undergarments

Seniors wishing eligible to participate in the program must be 60 years of age or older and living on meager funds who would otherwise not have a Christmas without this program. They should have an annual household income of less than $23,000 for a single person or less than $26,000 for married, and must be a current client of one or more of these organizations.

For more information on the Senior Secret Santa Program call CASI at 563-386-7477. The Center For Active Seniors, Inc., is a non-profit community service organization designed specifically to provide programs and services that promote independence and enrich the lives of older adults through socialization, health and wellness, and supportive services. For more information about CASI, visit CASISeniors.org.