The generosity of the community and support from Santa’s helpers at the Bracebridge Library meant 213 seniors received a gift from their wishlist this Christmas.
The library has run the Santa for Seniors program for the last few years. The initiative sees a Christmas tree set up in the front lobby of the library’s building at 94 Manitoba St. with wishlists from seniors affixed to it. When someone picked a list, they had to buy all the gifts on it, wrap them, and return the gifts to the library with the list attached.
The program ran until Dec. 18.
Just in time for Christmas, library staff delivered the presents to the seniors at The Pines, James Street Retirement Residence, Muskoka Hills Retirement Villa, Castle Peak, The Friends, the District of Muskoka Seniors Housing, YWCA, and Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare.
“The Santa for Seniors is such an important piece of Muskoka and helps connect people who don’t have much family in the area,” says Jennifer Middleton, Seniors Program Information Coordinator for the district. “Older adults have a bit of extra holiday cheer this season. We are so thankful to the Bracebridge Library for organizing the program and delivering these beautiful gifts to seniors across Muskoka.”
Library officials say the program distributed more gifts this year than in the previous two years.
“This program shows the true meaning of the holidays and brings nothing but joy to the community,” says Mckenzie Barnes, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the library. “Those who donate love participating and look forward to giving back to the community year after year. We truly could never thank our community enough for making this program possible.”
