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Agency wants elderly to feel loved this holiday with 'Be a Santa to a Senior' campaign

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LIBERTY, Mo. — One organization will continue a tradition to make sure elderly who would otherwise be alone this Christmas have some companionship. Home Instead Senior Care launched the "Be a Santa to a Senior" campaign about 15 years ago.

Here’s how it works: each December the caregiver agency places an angel tree at retail locations around town. The tree has ornaments with names of senior citizens and a list of potential gifts. Donors purchase items on each wish list and Home Instead then wraps and delivers the gifts.

Employees planned to deliver the gifts today Thursday.

“You can really see it on their face more than anything. When you give them the gift and you bring it to them, they feel like they've been thought of, they haven't been forgotten, they've been recognized,” explained Steve Boos of Home Instead Senior Care's Liberty location. “There are a lot of great programs out there for families and children this time of year, but too often we forget about seniors and they've been a big part of our lives.”

Boos has a request. He said if you know a senior who will be alone this holiday, visit them, or invite them over for a meal. He said acknowledging them will make a significant difference in their day.