WAMY Community Action is asking people to donate gifts to help spread holiday cheer to senior citizens who are homebound, staying in assisted living or hospice care for WAMY’s fourth annual Santa for Seniors gift drive.
In 2021, WAMY delivered more than 900 holiday gift bags to senior citizens through the Santa for Seniors project. With hopes of exceeding last year’s goal, WAMY needs the help of community members more than ever.Newly purchased Santa for Seniors items that are needed include socks with grips, blankets, lotion, lip balms, slippers, word activity books, sugar-free candy and winter accessories. Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off now through Dec. 15 Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at:
• Boone Police Department, 1500 Blowing Rock Road, Boone
• Go Postal of Boone, 207 New Market Center, Boone
• Peak Insurance Group, 149 Jefferson Road, Boone
• Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, 184 Hodges Gap Rd., Boone
• Skyline/Skybest, 217 Wilson Drive, Boone
• Avery County Chamber of Commerce, 4501 Tynecastle Hwy. No. 2, Banner Elk
In addition to many faith organizations, Linville Land Harbor in Avery County and Mountain Air Community in Burnsville are also hosting Santa for Senior gift drives.
Gifts can also be delivered to any WAMY Office location:
• 225 Birch St., Suite 2, Boone
• 496 A Balsam Ave., Spruce Pine
• 723 Cranberry St., in Newland
“WAMY is so happy to see the community coming together to meet a need that is often overlooked,” said Allison Jennings, WAMY’s director of development. “Many of our senior citizen neighbors are excluded during the holidays. We are thankful for the outpouring of support we have received this year for our Santa for Seniors gift drive.
“In addition to local businesses offering drop-off locations, Mast General Store and the High-Country Council of Governments are donating gifts. WAMY appreciates these gifts of love and kindness during this season of giving.”
Boone Police Department, Watauga County Sherriff’s Office and WAMY volunteers will deliver Santa for Seniors gifts.
If community members do not have time to shop, monetary donations are also accepted which can be mailed to WAMY’s Boone office, 225 Birch St. Suite 2 or online at wamycommunityaction.org.