Christmas in July

Senior Citizen Services recently held its annual “Christmas in July” party for Santa for Seniors. It was a lovely party in the backyard by the pool of a gorgeous Buckhead home. Over 100 people attended and brought more than 200 gifts with them to be used during the holiday season.

Santa for Seniors is the brainchild of SCS Board Member, Jade Sykes, and her mom, Jill Berry. A few years back, Jade decided that for her December birthday, she would like her friends to bring a gift for a senior instead of bringing a birthday gift. Santa for Seniors was born! Each year since its inception it has grown.

Jill Berry says, “Senior citizens are probably our loneliest and least considered group. A little bitty gift makes them smile like the days when they were young and Santa Clause came to see them.”

Originally, the idea was to collect enough gifts so that each Meals On Wheels Atlanta client would receive something with their meal delivery on Christmas day. Last year, SCS collected enough gifts that not only did each meals on wheels client received a gift, but also each client in our Adult Day Care program AND each client in our eight Neighborhood Senior Centers. Nearly 1000 gifts were distributed during the 2007 holiday season!

If you would like to donate a gift for a senior, visit the “Special Events” section of www.scsatl.org for a list of “senior friendly” gift items. Gifts can be dropped at the SCS headquarters Monday through Friday from now until Christmas.