DOVER Cliffs Long-Term Care Home recently wrapped up its 2024 Santa for Seniors program, which sees the staff help residents celebrate Christmas with gifts from the community.

Taylor Beam, recreation manager and volunteer co-ordinator, said “Dover Cliffs’ Santa for Seniors program is a heartwarming initiative designed to bring holiday cheer to the residents in our home. This program invites individuals, families, or groups to ‘adopt’ a senior during the holiday season.”

“Each year, our staff collaborates with residents to create wish lists that include both necessities and a few special things they wish for. Once I collect all the lists, I share them with community members who can choose to fulfill them at their discretion. We place the gifts under the tree, and the staff join the residents to celebrate the Christmas festivities as they unwrap their presents. The program, now in its fourth year, has become a tradition at Dover Cliffs,” Ms. Beam said.

She explained that the initiative is intended “to spread holiday cheer to the residents in our home while fostering community involvement.” Moreover, it makes a difference for the denizens of Dover Cliffs at a special time of year.

“The Santa for Seniors program has a meaningful impact on the residents at Dover Cliffs by making them feel valued, remembered, and connected during the holiday season. It creates a Christmas-at-home atmosphere for the residents as they gather around and see the presents under the tree,” she said.

Thanks to support from the Port Dover community, “Every resident at Dover Cliffs receives a gift each year through the program.”

“Last year, all residents’ Christmas wish lists were fulfilled by generous members of the community and each year the community support grows!” she added.

“Residents are always pleasantly surprised to receive an unexpected Christmas gift on Christmas morning. This thoughtful gesture brings smiles, excitement, and reminds them that they are cherished and valued during the festive season.”

Ms. Beam lauded locals’ full hearted participation in the initiative.

“The community’s support for the Santa for Seniors program has been incredible over the years. Each year, locals generously step up to fulfill the residents’ wish lists, ensuring every resident feels remembered and appreciated during the holiday season. The kindness and enthusiasm from the community has been truly heartwarming and plays a vital role in the program’s success. This project is a wonderful testament to the caring and supportive nature of Port Dover and surrounding communities. We’re extremely grateful to everyone for making a positive impact on the lives of our residents during the holiday season.”

—
Originally published December 24, 2024