Anyone who steps into the Bracebridge Library from now until Dec. 18 will be greeted by a Christmas tree adorned with wish lists from local seniors.
It is for the third Santa for Seniors program.
Starting today, wish lists submitted from places like James Street Retirement Residence, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, and the District of Muskoka’s Social Housing program will be hung from the tree. Mckenzie Barnes, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, says anyone interested can take a wish list. She explains they will have to register it at the front desk, buy the gifts, and return them wrapped with the wish list attached before Dec. 18.
The Bracebridge Library is located at 94 Manitoba St.
“Usually it’s some warm, cozy different blankets or mittens, just different small things to cheer them up over the holidays,” says Barnes.
She suggests coming early because the cards often go quickly. However, the tree will be refilled with more wish lists.
Barnes says there will also be a wish list from the Manna Food Bank on the tree featuring some of the non-perishable food items they need.
Barnes explains the holidays can be difficult for everyone, especially seniors who may be living away from their families.
Last year, 190 seniors received gifts thanks to the program and 400 non-perishable food items were handed over to the food bank.
Barnes says the library is aiming to bring in at least 220 gifts this year.