From staff reports

Home Instead Senior Care partners with local non-profits and community organizations to identify seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season.

The Home Instead Senior Care network recognizes that the holidays can be a difficult time for many seniors. That’s one of the reasons it launched the Be a Santa to a Senior program, a companionship to seniors who may be isolated during the holidays.

With the support of the Nutrition Service Center, home health agencies, area retailers, volunteers and members of the community, the local be a Santa to a Senior Program of Southeast Texas will collect and distribute gifts to seniors who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.

In the 12^th year of the event, over 20,000 local seniors have been served. Over 70 retailers are participating in the program, including 10 in the Orange area.

“Their help is greatly appreciated, for without them the program could not be a success,” according to a press release from Home Instead Senior Care. “Thanks in advance for your help as well in making the holidays for many seniors a happier experience.”

Orange retailers participating in the program with a Be a Santa to a Senior tree are:

Ace Hardware

Bealls

CVS on 16^th Street and Strickland Drive

Palais Royal

Wal-Mart

Walgreens

Market Basket #4