The holiday season in Northeast Georgia is brightened by a special initiative designed to bring joy to its elderly residents. For nearly 15 years, the Athens Community Council on Aging has been fostering a sense of belonging among seniors through their Be a Santa to a Senior program.
Community Effort Brings Cheer
The ACCA, under the leadership of President and CEO Eve Anthony, collaborates with local retail stores, the University of Georgia, and individuals throughout the community to deliver wrapped Christmas gifts to about 700 older adults annually.
Anthony shared, “We have this very festive wrapping party where we bring about 200 volunteers in that wrap about 3500 gifts.”
Reaching Out to the Elderly
The initiative primarily benefits those who are already part of ACCA’s network, including recipients of meal deliveries and dementia care. Anthony explained, “And then we also partner with different organizations or people just tell us about an older neighbor or a grandma or a friend or someone they know that could really use a gift around the holidays as well.”
For those interested in learning more or participating, additional information is available by calling the ACCA at (706) 549-4850.
