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SAS Secret Santa remembers seniors at Christmas

Just a small gift can much a big difference to a senior in our community
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Christmas can be a lonely time of year, especially for seniors who may not have any family in the area or, due to mobility issues, find themselves housebound.

Whatever the reason, Quesnel Seniors’ Advocacy Service (SAS) has launched a Secret Santa campaign to connect sympathetic members of the public and seniors in need of a little Christmas cheer.

There is a garland in the Quesnel Cariboo Observer foyer with names attached to gift tags and gift suggestions based on the senior’s needs.

The seniors are identified by their first name to maintain privacy and all names were supplied to SAS. The public is invited to drop by the Observer office, select a card, purchase the small gift suggested on the card and bring both back to the Observer.

Santa’s helpers will then take the gifts, along with their identifying name, wrap the gift and deliver it to the corresponding senior before Christmas.

The public may also wrap the gift if they want; it will save on work for the elves, SAS’s Susan MacNeill says.

“These seniors are most in need of warm items and hygiene products and some special holiday treats, such as cookies or chocolate. They often love having a travel mug to help them keep warm outside.”

When Susan and Ruth Scoullar first saw this program offered by a big chain store, they immediately saw the perfect application in Quesnel and set about making it happen.

This fun, festive campaign brings the Christmas spirit to our venerated seniors.

Other gift ideas to consider for the Secret Santa recipients include blankets or throws, pyjamas, nightgowns and robes, nail care items, sugar-free candy and chocolates, clothing, such as sweat pants, sweaters and underwear, gift certificates for groceries and toiletries, books, board games and puzzles.

The campaign runs Dec. 4-20, at which time Santa’s elves will pick up remaining items and make sure they are delivered to the person on the card they were purchased for.

Just a reminder, the card must accompany the purchase. If you wrap it yourself, affix the card to the exterior of the parcel so the SAS volunteers can deliver it to the correct person.