Some Seniors May Be Left 'Out in the Cold' This Holiday Season

Senior Holiday Gift Program in need of community support.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Interfaith is looking for a few good deed doers. Their Senior Holiday Gift Program needs gifts for eighty-five more area seniors.

“This is one of our favorite senior programs because when our community helps us brighten a senior citizen’s holiday, it means so very much to them,” explains Dr. Ann Snyder, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

The number of seniors in need of holiday cheer has grown 33% from last year, and the number of charitable gift givers is down. The number of seniors in 2007 was 235; this year it’s 356. The economic downturn has increased the number in need, and coupled with Hurricane Ike, the amount of charity dollars has decreased significantly.

The program is efficient, and the process is quick. It just requires a short form which can be completed over the phone or in person. Seniors select an item in need, valued at $35. Those participating in the program purchase the item and deliver it to Interfaith unwrapped. Interfaith will get the gift to the appropriate senior.

In addition to the gift program, Interfaith is also sponsoring a Holiday Blanket Drive to collect blankets for seniors in assisted living facilities and personal care homes. The blankets will be distributed by Meals On Wheels. This year’s quota is 300 blankets, and to date they’ve only collected 100. Blankets can be dropped off at the Interfaith office located at 4242 Woodrush Drive (north of The Woodlands Parkway between East and West Panther Creek Drives.)To ensure that area seniors won't be left 'out in the cold' this holiday season, call Interfaith’s Senior Services Department at 281-367-1230. Ask for either Raymona Lewis or Debbie Repka. The deadline for gift donations is December 5th.