Tis the season to give to Central Florida Seniors! Can you believe the holidays are already here? Time goes by rather quickly and another year of memories have been created. Holidays are times we cherish the most. This is when family and friends come together, enjoy each other’s company and devour some delicious meals. Thanksgiving is also a time of thanks as well as give. Although most of us get to share this day with close family and friends, some are not as lucky as others and may be alone or without this holiday season.

Every year the homeless population increases and about a third of them are over the age of 50. Commonly, we portray homeless people as being drug addicts, lazy, mentally ill, or they have chosen the life they live. Most of the time people become homeless due to the loss of their job and or home as well as struggle to get by on Social Security checks and have no savings. Poverty also poses a specific health risk for seniors. Those suffering from conditions like diabetes, dementia or heart disease are unable to make frequent visit to doctors or afford their medications. Often times Orlando Seniors are forced to choose between luxuries such as food, gifts, gas for cars, or air conditioning in order to purchase medications. Others neglect their health and don’t buy their required pharmaceuticals due to overpriced medication.

Since holidays are about traditions and spending time with family it can also become one of the loneliest times for seniors that may not have family nearby, face homelessness or cannot afford to participate in festivities. There are also other elderly facility residents that don’t get to visit their loved ones that often. So, how are you able to do your part this holiday season? Volunteer for a food drive, donate time at a skilled facility or assisted living. Call and speak with an activities director and ask how you can help Central Florida seniors.

You can sign up to volunteer with companies such as Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida or Meals on Wheels!  If you don’t have time to donate, you can always locate a Be A Santa to a Senior tree. Bealls Department Stores participates along with many Central Florida locations. Be a Santa to a Senior program works closely with Home Instead Senior Care and Seniors First Inc. to ensure our Central Florida seniors enjoy gifts this holiday season. Those that are on the Meals on Wheels program will be able to also have a gift delivered this holiday season!

Please click the below link for more information about this program. 

https://www.beasantatoasenior.com/#how-it-works

North Star Senior Advisors will be a drop off location for any items you’d like to gift to a senior. Please deliver your gift to North Star Senior Advisors by 12-6-18

This year local seniors asked for Blankets, House Slippers, Socks, Towel set etc. **Please know that the gifts cannot be wrapped.

Furthermore, it’s always a great feeling to help out others. Just being able to put a smile on another person’s face can make your day. So when you’re out Black Friday shopping, make sure you pick up a blanket, slippers, or another gift item that is on sale for a senior in need.

We hope everyone has a safe holiday season and are able to enjoy this time with the ones you love the most.