AMHERST — After success in its initial year the Amherst Senior Center is once again hosting “Claus for a Cause” collection program as the holiday season kicks off.
Led by the Amherst Senior Center and Council on Aging the program aims to bring joy and holiday cheer to older adults in the community through collecting donations of self-care items and gifting them in packages to seniors.
Currently the Senior Center is accepting donations of self-care items such as puzzle books, hard candies, low-sugar candies, tea, hot cocoa, lotion, lip balm, warm clothing and other items promoting comfort and joy during the start of the holiday season and winter months. Donations will be collected until Dec. 13, but Director of Senior Services Hayley Bolton said people can still get in any late donations in the days following until Dec. 16.
Bolton said the inspiration for the center to start the program came from her own experience participating in a similar program at a different senior center in the past.
“The holidays can be a difficult time, so we offer this program for individuals aged 55-plus to lift spirits and foster a sense of community. Whether it’s through a small gift or a gesture of kindness, our goal is to brighten their days and bring smiles to their faces,” said Bolton. “We had some folks last year who called us saying, ‘thank you for thinking of us. I didn’t think anyone thought of us.’ So, it’s always good to get that feedback that you’re doing a good job but we would do it regardless.”
On Tuesday, Dec. 17, donations will be packaged into holiday-themed bags and given to seniors. Volunteers are needed on Dec. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to help package the gift bags. Volunteers can also participate by “adopting a senior” for the delivery process.
Bolton noted the center would appreciate more donations of holiday theme bags that could be used for the gift bags, as well as gift wrap or bows.
“Anything festive would actually be a huge help,” Bolton added.
If interested in volunteering, contact Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator Julia MacFadzen at macfadzenj@amherstma.gov or 413-259-3038.
Community members are invited to nominate friends, neighbors or loved ones aged 55 and older to receive a bag. To nominate a senior, please contact Social Services Coordinator Lucas Schildbach at schildbachl@amherstma.gov or 413-259-3062.
Bolton said last year the drive totaled somewhere between 40-45 bags that were given to seniors and added the sentiment behind the gift bag is more valuable than the items inside for many on the receiving end. As someone who grew up the oldest of seven siblings, Bolton said her family’s roots gave her an appreciation for making connections during the holiday season.
“You can make this connection with people you otherwise might never know,” Bolton said. “But now that you have this opportunity to get to know somebody through a gift exchange, that can be a really wonderful thing, and I don’t think they get enough of those kinds of opportunities. For me, it’s a true expression of what the holiday season ought to be about, which is not commercialized, it’s caring and neighbors and community.”
