December 10, 2009

Volunteers are wrapping over two thousand gifts Wednesday afternoon as surprise for senior citizens.
'Santa For A Senior' lets the community select a tag for one of 600 plus seniors which is more than the number surprised last year.

"These folks are typically financially needy or just flat lonely and don't have anyone who is going to take care of them during the holidays," said Todd Sensenbach owner of Home Instead Senior Care.

Overflowing into the hallway,gifts that have been collected and organized at the Home Instead Senior Care offices in Bend.
Each bag belongs to a senior, the gifts inside will be wrapped

At the Aspen Ridge Retirement Community Sandy Noel the Activity Director filled out forms for 10 of the residents to receive gifts.

"They are going to be surprised because they have no idea and I know the one's that we've chosen are going to be really really happy and excited to receive these gifts," said Noel.

Not enough donations came in from individuals, about 60 tags were left, but groups pitched in so that every senior receives a bag.

Presents loaded into a trailer, ready for wrapping and delivery.

"It's going to really matter to them because I think it's important all the time, but especially at Christmas to be remembered and to be loved and to feel that people are caring about it and I think that's going to do that for them. I think they are going to know there are people out there who really care," said Noel.