The Bracebridge Library has launched its sixth annual Santa for Seniors program to help older adults in need have a warmer winter.
The program is a community initiative in partnership with The Pines Long Term Care Home, Castle Peak Retirement Residence, James Street Residence, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, and Riverstone Lodge Retirement Residence to help make the holidays brighter for local older adults.
Throughout the program, seniors living at participating residences submit anonymous wish lists featuring items such as cozy blankets, warm slippers, chocolates and personal care products.
The lists are then displayed on a tree at the Coulson Family Bracebridge Library, where community members can pick one or more, purchase and wrap the requested gifts, and return them to the library on or before Dec. 11
Mathew Reisler, marketing and communications coordinator, said the holidays can be an isolating experience for those who may not be able to visit their families – like seniors.
“Library patrons have made it a point to make the annual program a part of their holidays,” he said. “They have gone above and beyond to show the seniors living in our community how appreciated they are.”
Officials said once all the wish lists are gone, they will be replaced with ones listing the items most needed this holiday season by the Manna Food Bank in Bracebridge.
Last year, the program delivered more than 90 boxes and bags of gifts to 215 seniors living in long-term care homes across Muskoka.
