HASTINGS — As the community enters the season of giving, Home Instead® is calling on MARKET residents to help brighten the holidays for older adults who may be feeling isolated or alone.
Through the beloved Be a Santa to a Senior program, local community members can spread joy by giving a special holiday gift to seniors who might otherwise go without.
“A simple, thoughtful gift can bring immense happiness to an older adult who may not have family around to celebrate with,” said Alex Schendt, owner of the Home Instead office in Hastings. “Be a Santa to a Senior is about more than presents—it’s about showing care, love, and letting these individuals know they are not forgotten.”
How to Get Involved:
Community members can participate by visiting Be a Santa to a Senior trees or displays located in Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney and Red Cloud. Each tree will feature ornaments with the name and gift wish of an older adult in need. Shoppers can select an ornament, purchase the desired gift, and return it unwrapped to the location with the ornament attached. Ornaments will be available from 11/18/24 to 12/16/24, and gifts will be delivered to seniors in time for the holidays.
Be a Santa to a Senior® trees can be found at the following locations:
• Hastings Ford 3101 Osborn Dr W Hastings, NE 68901
• Hastings Federal Credit Union 707 N Marian Rd Hastings, NE 68901
• First Interstate Bank 700 N Webb Rd Grand Island, NE 68803
• Family Physical Therapy with Family Practice 620 E 25th St Suite 7 Kearney, NE 68847
• Red Cloud Motor Company 211 E 11th Ave Red Cloud, NE 68970
“This program is about so much more than giving gifts—it’s about creating moments of joy and connection between older adults and the community,” said Schendt. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the smile on a senior’s face when they open their gift and feel the love behind it.”
Be a Santa to a Senior® is a true community initiative, powered by the generosity of local businesses, nonprofit organizations, retailers, and volunteers. This year, the Home Instead office serving the Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney and surrounding area has partnered with Midland Area Agency on Aging, South Central Area Agency on Aging, the Grand Island Salvation Army, the Hastings Salvation Army, Goldbeck Towers, Cimarron Court and Senior Action to collect referrals for the program.
Since its inception in 2003, Be a Santa to a Senior® has mobilized over 65,000 volunteers, provided approximately 2.5 million gifts, and made the holidays brighter for more than 750,000 deserving older adults nationwide.
For more information on how to get involved, visit Facebook.com/HomeInsteadHastings or call 402-462-8500. To learn more about ways to help older adults in Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney or the surrounding area, visit https://www.HomeInstead.com/543
