In operation for over a decade, the Senior Gift Program, coordinated by the Carson City Senior Center, delivered 1,038 gifts to homebound seniors and individuals of the Public Guardian, bringing holiday cheer and gifts to those who may not receive much during the holiday season.
Starting in October, gift requests are collected and matched with Secret Santas. Just after November, gifts start pouring in at the Senior Center who sorts, organizes gifts, and gets all deliveries out by Christmas.
The overwhelming support of the community is what makes this program unique. Individuals, clubs, and businesses volunteer to buy and wrap the gifts.
All requests are considered with some humble gift requests for bottled water, clothing, slippers or toilet paper, to wants like a TV, microwave, chocolates, recliner or treats.
The generosity of the Secret Santas is tremendous and their willingness to make Christmas special to individuals who may receive no other gifts this holiday season.
“It’s amazing,” said Terry Lawton, a veteran and who recently celebrated his birthday, had gifts delivered to his apartment.
Lawton lost all his belongings in a fire and was matched with Secret Santas who volunteered to give him a new lamp and recliner and added the extra special gift of finding a recliner with massage and heat functions.
“Just to know that people care enough to donate something like this to people like me,” he said. “I’ve never felt more important and blessed.”
The Secret Santa’s deserving the applause include (in no particular order): Carson Tahoe Hospital, Southwest Gas, Betty & Bill Redman, Carson Medical Group, Gold Dust West Youth Bowling League, Click Bond, State of Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau, Fred Prawlawski, Kathy Ensminger, Kathy Hendersen, Carson Periodontics, Kirsten Sherve, Jeanette Champagne, Rocking and Rolling, the City Manager’s Office, Ana Winston, Jenny Barney, Carson City Health & Human Services, Soroptomists, Karen Crandall, Prominence, Lions Club, KarsonKruzers, David & Cecile Critchfield, Loretta Roche, Department of Health and Human Services Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, Marcy Peterson, Melissa Osborn, Governor’s Office for Economic Development, Moose Lodge, Candy Elliott (Stacy), Nancy & Ron Smith, Nikki Schmidt, Supreme Court of Nevada , Ron & Betsy Milligan, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Nissan Carson City, Sharon Love, Nevada Emergency Services, Sierra Nevada Kiwanis, Alicia Tau, and Vidler Water. And a special thank you to Battleborn Babes Jeep Club for their help in delivering the gifts.
Gifts and monetary donations to the Senior Gift Program are accepted year-round by contacting the Carson City Senior Center at (775) 883-0703.
