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Nominations Accepted until Nov. 13 –
The Oswego County Office for the Aging (OFA) launches its annual “Santa for Seniors” program on Wednesday, Oct. 1 to support older adults who have limited resources or may be alone during the holiday season. Nominations can come from community members or from the senior adult themselves!
“With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are looking forward to the time spent with family and friends,” said Elizabeth Weimer, senior aging services specialist with the Oswego County Office for the Aging. “Unfortunately, some seniors in our community will be spending the holidays alone with limited personal interaction. This program is a great opportunity to try to make this time a little brighter for them. Together, we can help those who may lack family support or have limited financial resources.”
People who would like to recommend an older adult to receive gifts are asked to submit a nomination form to the Oswego County Office for the Aging by Thursday, Nov. 13. Be sure to include information about the individual’s interests and hobbies, personality traits, clothing sizes, and suggested or needed gift items.
Nomination forms are posted on the OFA webpage at www.oswegocounty.com/ofa. They are also available by calling the office at 315-349-3484 weekdays.
Families and organizations who would like to “adopt” one of the nominees by providing gifts for them should also contact OFA. Simply request an adopter form and return it to OFA by Thursday, Nov. 13. “Adopters” will receive an email with information on the senior(s) they are paired up with. They must then deliver their wrapped gifts to OFA no later than Monday, Dec. 8. Adopters are asked not to give gift cards, plants or perishable items.
Weimer said the program is voluntary and there is no guarantee that each older adult who is nominated will receive a gift.
“If you know of an older adult who could benefit from the ‘Santa for Seniors’ program, please contact our agency,” she said. “We appreciate the support of our community in helping us reach as many of seniors as we can and trying to alleviate some of the isolation they may be feeling during the holiday season.”
For more information, email elizabeth.weimer@oswegocounty.com or call 315-349-3570.
