Adopt-A-Grandparent returns this holiday season to spread cheer to Lacombe seniors currently in the Lacombe hospital.
This year, 70 grandparents were given wish lists to help fill their needs during Christmas.
“In prior years we were doing generic items and filling bags for the seniors,” Organizer Shalayne Little said over Facebook Messenger. “This year they have gone around and asked the seniors for some items they would really like to receive.
“It has been a really fun process this year matching those seniors up with families and seeing the reactions to the wish lists.”
Little said the wish lists has allowed families to connect with the grandparent they are supporting and the program allows those families to send love to those that need it.
“Staying at a hospital for long periods of time can make you feel isolated so we are hoping these gifts this holiday season will remind the grandparents how much they are loved,” she said.
All the gifts will be collected by Dec. 15 and then disbursed before Christmas day.
“We will have Santa Claus and Mrs Claus on hand to help hand out the presents to the seniors this year,” Little said.
Amazingly, all 70 grandparents have been matched meaning organizers are not in dire need of families. If you would like to contribute, there is a waiting list in case more grandparents are added to the list.
“The best way to connect with the program is through the Lacombe Market Facebook page. If you go onto their page you will see the event details and will be able to leave a comment or message me and I can have you added to the list,” Little said.
Little wanted to thank Wendy Buyer, who has organized the event for several years but had to step back this season.
She also wanted to thank the community for quickly getting on board with the project.
“As well as thank you to Lacombe storage and Lacombe tourism for being our drop off locations this year. Every person that has helped out is a small piece of the puzzle but when we all work together we create something much bigger and far more meaningful,” she said.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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