All across White County, elves are taking wish lists from senior citizens and will soon go hither and fro delivering gifts that include requested items such as an electric skillet, a DVD player, pots and pans, a robe, a flannel shirt and pajamas, as well as basic hygiene items and food.
At least that is the scenario White County Aging Program officials hope to achieve with its Adopt a Senior program.
“Our goal is for everyone to feel loved and appreciated,” said Holly Whitney, the Aging Program’s administrative assistant.
At the John E. Lightle Center, 2200 E. Moore Ave. in Searcy, which serves as headquarters for the White County Aging Program, as well as Santa’s domain for now, Whitney oversees this much-anticipated event for several hundred senior citizens.
Soon, colorful Christmas-themed sacks will be filled with treats that are really necessities for some senior citizens. Delivery drivers for the agency, who take meals to the seniors, will hand out, then pick up, the wish lists of people who want to participate in the Adopt a Senior program.
Along with providing meals for seniors, the White County Aging Program offers a variety of events that include bingo, which is a favorite; live bands on Thursday nights; a fish lunch once a month at the centers; and other activities, such as exercise and dance classes, crafts and puzzles. There will be special Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and get-togethers, but most of all, the center provides support, socialization and a place for senior citizens to belong to and call their own, Whitney said.
The Adopt a Senior program has been operating at least since 2004, Whitney said, referring to how long Program Director Marcia Pressler has been aboard at the agency.
Some seniors opt not to take part in the program, noting on the paper that “they want others to receive” rather than themselves, Whitney said.
“Sometimes just a visit from someone is all it takes to make a heart smile,” she said. “My hope is that not just at Christmas, but throughout the year,” people will respond, she said, emphasizing that the seniors need assistance at times other than Christmas.
Whitney is reaching out to the communities in White County so residents will have time to pick up a wish list, get it filled and return the gifts by Dec. 9 in order to get them delivered.
Volunteers may come by the John E. Lightle Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to pick up wish lists, which contain useful information such as the recipient’s name, address, a phone contact and whether he or she is diabetic— along with sizes for clothes, if needed, and other requested items. Whitney said volunteers sometimes choose to get a couple’s names and take care of both for the holiday.
Whitney has a huge binder filled with names from the eight senior centers in White County. In addition to Searcy’s center, there are senior centers in Bald Knob, Beebe, Bradford, Russell, Griffithville, Pangburn, Garner and Judsonia.
“We go all the way up to Jackson County. … I have not ridden that far yet,” she said, but she goes along with the drivers to all routes, some quite rural. When the Christmas gifts are delivered, “some [drivers] have dressed as elves and some in Santa suits” to deliver gifts on the routes, she said.
Food that is distributed should be nonperishable, of course, but snacks such as nuts and fruit, which are often listed, are all right if they will likely keep well until delivery, she said.
Ages range from 60 on up into the 90s, Whitney said of clients with the agency.
Sometimes seniors are hesitant to say they have a need, she said. One man said, “No,” when asked if he wanted to participate, then quickly said, “Well, yes. Maybe I do need a robe,” Whitney said.
Flipping through her binder, Whitney read off some of the requests. “For everyone to love one another,” was one wish, and “a white Christmas” was another.
But generally, the needs are more direct and basic: things that many take for granted — a heating pad, thermal underwear, a fruit basket with ham, an electric blanket, coveralls, a warm-up suit, a toaster, a percolator/coffeemaker or diabetic socks — items that many seniors on fixed incomes find it hard to provide for themselves. Warm clothing, lotions and food are often requested.
“A blue-and-white coat to wear to church,” one lady wrote, and another requested “a dress for Sunday School.”
One woman asked for bird seed and a bag of Temptations treats for her cat. Other
requests included “Socks that do not slide,” “a paper shredder” and “Skinny jeans.”
“I like to see them smile,” Whitney said. “I do not like seeing someone sad.”
Her own grandparents are deceased, and “I have just adopted them all” as grandparents, she said of seniors in the program.
Those who have no family, are homebound or have no financial means to take care of their needs are the ones the program hones in on, Whitney said.
“Not to be discriminatory, but some do have family, and some do have financial means,” she said.
“One man asked for a big-screen TV. … Obviously, we cannot do that. But another asked for a DVD player, and that is feasible. … Maybe that person is homebound and cannot afford cable. … Maybe someone has an extra DVD [player] or has bought several at a flea market” and could fill that wish.
“Some say they will be grateful for anything,” Whitney said. “Anyone can come by the center and adopt one or 10 or 50 — as many as you like. You have the option to deliver the gifts yourself or bring them here, and our agency will deliver them.”
Whitney will soon call businesses and other donors to ask for help with the project, which is all done voluntarily and is not part of the center’s budget.
“Every day, I get new lists. I cannot tell you how many we have passed out,” she said.
“Do you take care of your parents or grandparents at Christmas or year-round?” she asked. “I am reaching out and hoping people reach [out and fulfill needs], not just at this time of year, but year-round.”