To the Editor:

Everyone likes to be included in holiday festivities when the airwaves are full of songs and stories celebrating family and togetherness. The staff at Home Instead in Statesville would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped out this holiday season to make our Be a Santa to a Senior gift program a success, bringing holiday cheer to many in our community.

Thanks to the efforts of generous participants, we provided 1,000-plus gifts for local older adults in the area who may have been feeling lonely this season. But more than the physical items, these gifts carry with them something even more valuable – a smile, a hug and the cheer Be a Santa to a Senior spreads to individuals who may not have family or companions to share the holiday season.

This year was special for Be a Santa to a Senior, as the nationwide program celebrated its 20th anniversary. We are proud to say that this is our 20th year participating in the program.

We would also like to thank our community partners who were instrumental in the success of the program, including Randy Marion Automotive, Pratt Industries, EnergyUnited, Mooresville Evening Exchange Club, Lake Norman Exchange Club, Mitchell Community College, Groucho’s, Ahlara, Doosan Infracore Portable Power, Kewaunee, Walmart of Statesville, Walmart of Mooresville, Village TapHouse, Walgreens, and the Rotary Club of Greater Statesville.

Again, thank you to all those who made this year’s Be a Santa to a Senior possible. To learn more about opportunities to help local seniors, visit ReadytoCare.com or call 704-924-9909.

Remember, there is no higher calling than to care for someone in need – especially an older loved one or neighbor.

Anne Ellenburg,
General Manager of Home Instead