‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ and Spread Some Holiday Cheer

The holidays are fast approaching and one Pasadena business is getting into the holiday spirit to make sure that seniors will have a merrier celebration this year.

Home Instead of Pasadena this week launched its “Be a Santa to a Senior” gift-giving program that gives the community an opportunity to fulfill the wishes of local seniors who may be isolated and overlooked this holiday season.

Gregorio Sanchez, Jr., owner of Home Instead Pasadena and Monrovia, said senior isolation is a major issue within the community and this has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which prompted the elderly to isolate all the more because of fears of getting infected with the virus.

“Isolation really impacts a senior’s not only mental, but physical wellbeing. When we are isolated, we tend to be depressed. We don’t necessarily follow our doctor’s medical advice.”

“So what we try to do is bring light to and a little joy in the holiday season, especially because we know that isolation gets worse during the holidays.”

The program is now in its fourth year in Pasadena, according to Sanchez.

This year, Home Instead is partnering with Bryan’s Cleaners & Laundry, 544 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, as well as Hill Street Cafe, 1004 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada, to provide 450 gifts to approximately 350 local seniors.

Beneficiaries include seniors from low income families and those who may not have a family.

There are a number of ways the community can get involved with the program.

They can visit BeASantatoaSenior.com to view wish lists of local seniors on Amazon Business through December 17. A personalized greeting can be included with the gift, which will be delivered to the beneficiary.

Donors can also visit one of these locations where the “Be a Santa to a Senior”  trees can be found to drop their donations:

• Bryan’s Cleaners & Laundry – 544 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena

• Hill Street Café – 1004 Foothill Blvd, La Canada Flintridge

• Home Instead of Pasadena – 200 E Del Mar Blvd, Ste 350, Pasadena

Each tree will be decorated with ornaments featuring seniors’ first names and gift suggestions. Shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift, and return it unwrapped to the store with the ornament attached. The trees will be on display until December 17.

Home Instead will also collect monetary donations to purchase gifts which will be delivered to seniors. Donations can be made through the Home Instead Charities at  www.BeaSantatoaSenior.com/donate/.

All the gifts donated by the community members will be delivered to seniors in time for the holidays.

Sanchez urged the community to join the program, saying it’s not just the kids who need love during the holidays but the aging population as well.

He continued: “A small act of kindness can make a big difference. And a heartfelt gift brightens the lives of older adults who may feel alone during the season.”

Since the program’s inception 18 years ago, “Be a Santa to a Senior” has helped provide over two million gifts to more than 750,000 seniors in North America, according to Home Instead.