The Santa for Seniors program at the Orillia Public Library is back for its ninth year. The program relies on community support to help give seniors and vulnerable people in the community a bright and merry Christmas.
“We have an outside volunteer who goes to many of the seniors homes in town and speaks to the seniors who don’t really have anyone to spend the holidays with. She gets a wish list from them and brings the lists to the library,” explained Amy Lambertsen, head of the circulation department at the Orillia Public Library in downtown Orillia.
“Patrons then come into the library, choose one or more tags, and they go purchase whatever they would like from the list and sometimes add little nick nacks. Then they bring back what they’ve purchased to the library all wrapped up in time for Christmas, so we can give seniors a holiday gift.”
There were originally 140 tags available at the library with only about 20 left to be fulfilled. Community members are asked to bring their shopping items in before Dec. 10
“This is a great way to get the community to come together. Our patrons look forward to it every year, and it’s a good way to give back to the community,” Lambertsen said.
This year, local seniors are asking for warm socks, pajamas, hats, and mittens. They are also asking for hygiene products and things to keep them busy like books. Once all 160 tags are gone, the library will turn its focus to helping The Sharing Place Food Centre.
“We will put up tags with items that are needed for the food bank, and we will just keep printing as many tags as needed,” Lambertsen said
“The Sharing Place tags include the most requested hygiene and food items. People can purchase whatever they would like and either drop it off here at the library or at The Sharing Place.”
Lambertsen says the feedback they receive from seniors and participants of The Sharing Place is always 'phenomenal.'
“The seniors are just happy to have someone thinking of them at this time of year,” she said.
“The Sharing Place is always in dire need, especially at this time of the year. Our patrons are incredibly generous, so The Sharing Place is always thrilled with whatever we can give them.”
Lambertsen thanks all who help with the annual Santa for Seniors program, noting it wouldn’t be possible without the community support.
The Orillia Public Library is open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday.
