The holiday season brings memories and thoughts of giving and sharing with family and friends. But as many of us gather for our holiday time, there is a group of people in our community that may not have anyone with whom to share this pleasant time.

Many senior citizens in our community will be spending the holidays alone. For those who are unable to live at home and do not have family and friends nearby, or may be the only survivor among their family and friends, it can be a very lonely existence even day to day. The loneliness can be compounded by spending the holidays alone with nothing but their memories of happier times past.

Thankfully, a number of programs exist to make sure our elder population feels loved, appreciated and remembered at the holidays. Even a small, thoughtful gift can help them get through the holidays.

One of these programs is Be a Santa to a Senior, which is led by Home Instead Senior Care. To participate, all you have to do is visit their office, choose an ornament with a senior’s first name and gift ideas, purchase the gifts and return them, unwrapped, to the office by Dec. 9. You don’t even have to worry about hiding the gifts from any family members or struggling with that pesky tape and ribbon. In that respect, it’s the most worry-free gift you’ll buy this year, and you will be helping a great cause in the process.

Home Instead Senior Care staff and community volunteers will wrap the gifts and deliver them to seniors at Autumn Care in time for Christmas.

“While it may seem like a small act of kindness, it can really make a difference for someone this holiday season,” said Larry Neal, co-owner of the Home Instead Senior Care Suffolk office with his wife, Nell. “Watching seniors open the gifts they received through Be a Santa to a Senior and seeing the smiles and appreciation on their faces is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season.”

Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following locations:

Jaimie’s Classy Cuts and Nails — 79 E. Windsor Blvd. Unit B, Windsor

Home Instead Senior Care — 2000 Hillpoint Blvd. N., Suffolk

Happy shopping!