Santa for Seniors Program

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- During the coming holiday season, local residents will be approached by many nonprofit organizations requesting help for worthwhile missions. But as area residents ponder the causes that they most want to support, remember this:

Santa is a Senior!

This year, in conjunction with First National Bank of Texas and Impact Printing, The Friendship Center is asking area individuals, businesses and organizations to consider participating in the ninth year of its Santa for Seniors program.

All of the branch locations of First National Bank Texas will serve as drop-off points for gifts for seniors. Very soon trees will appear in their lobbies with ornaments designating ways to help a senior at the holidays. Those branch locations include 704 E. Davis in Conroe, 220 S. Loop 336 West inside Kroger in Conroe, 3830 W. Davis inside Kroger in Conroe, 504 Danville inside Blair’s Market in Willis, and 23611 US Highway 59 inside Kroger in Porter. Marilyn Kasmiersky at 936-788-6238 is the coordinator of the bank’s effort.

However groups can contribute in many ways, including the following three ideas which have “worked well for businesses in the past,” noted Nancy Harrington, president of The Friendship Center.

In lobbies or break rooms, businesses may choose to place a tree decorated with paper ornaments bearing a suggested gift for a senior in our community. Company employees or patrons can then select an item from the tree, which they agree to purchase and drop off either at the business facility or at one of the five Friendship Center locations in Montgomery County.

Alternately, the company can commit to the purchase of a pre-determined number of gifts, valued at approximately $10 per gift. Or if time is limited, the company or its employees can donate cash or gift cards for the purpose of purchasing gifts for senior clients.

Local residents not affiliated with a Montgomery County business are also welcome to participate in the Santa for Seniors program through donations or by volunteering to help administer the project.

For more information on the Santa for Seniors program, contact Carmen Pellettieri at The Friendship Center at 936-756-5828 extension 43.

The Friendship Center is a locally-governed private nonprofit serving senior adults age 60 and over. Services include transportation, Meals-On-Wheels, senior dining in the form of hot noonday meals at five center locations, and senior programs such as education and recreation activities as well as counseling and case management, a food pantry, and information and referral to needed resources.

The Friendship Center is a United Way agency funded in part by the Community Development Block Grant Program. For more information, call 936-441-2982.