Santa for a Senior By Karen Hammond
S
ince 1927, Family Service Society (FSS) has been meeting the needs of those in our community. Year-round they ensure residents are assisted with basic necessities such as food, clothing, assistance with utility bills and prescription medication, eyeglasses, and emergency dental care. In the winter, FSS focuses their efforts on a population that is often overlooked – senior and disabled households. Each year, FSS assists over 450 households through their Santa for a Senior program. This program makes sure that each household receives food, personal care items, household cleaning supplies and gifts for Christmas. “Our seniors frequently tell us that the gifts they receive through this program are the only presents they will unwrap during the holiday season,” said Katie Howard, FSS Business Development Director. “If it wasn’t for the program many in our community would not have the ability to partake in a traditional holiday dinner. At Family Service Society we believe everyone should have food on their plate and a gift under their tree.”
Will You Become a Santa?
Most of us have been transformed in unexpected ways by the pause in our life forced by COVID-19. However, the focus on our community is unwavering, and many local agencies such as FSS have accomplished a great. Community supporters play a vital role in their ability to keep serving. Please consider partnering with FSS to spread the message of Christmas to those less fortunate. If you are interested in becoming a Santa for a Senior supporter, please contact Katie Howard at 270.443.4838 or email her at Katie.howard@fsspaducah.com. Donations can also be mailed to 827 Joe Clifton Drive, Paducah, KY 42001.
Sponsor a Senior
When you become a Santa for a Senior sponsor through Family Service Society, you are helping to ensure the seniors and disabled adults in our community are cared for this holiday season. As a community partner you can help FSS spread much needed holiday cheer. You can adopt a senior or disabled adult for just $65 and ensure they are cared for this Christmas. Santa for a Senior is one of our favorite programs at FSS,” said FSS Executive Director, Candace Melloy. “We love that this program helps a population of our community that has given so much throughout their life. It fills our hearts with joy when a recipient's eyes light up when they realize that they get a gift from us in addition to food. Many of our Santa for a Senior recipients tell us that this is the only gift they get at Christmas time." Mae is a recipient of this year’s Santa for a Senior program. She says this event gives her a reason to look forward to the holidays. “It’s nice to not be forgotten,” said Mae.” This is a busy time of year for everyone. I live on a fixed income and without this program, I wouldn't be able to enjoy a true Christmas meal.”
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Purchase Area Family Magazine
DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 39
