'Be a Santa to a Senior' program is back, collecting gifts for seniors who experience holiday loneliness

It's a troubling time for hundreds of seniors in Windsor-Essex who report feeling lonely during this time of year, many of whom live in isolation.

Experts saythis feeling of loneliness is heightenedthis year with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic wherepeople arebeing more careful and limiting their social interactions.

This is where "Be a Santa to a Senior" program comes into play. It'srun by Home Instead, a seniors' care business, and aims to assist older adults who feel lonely or are isolated during this time of year by delivering gift packages to them donated by the community.

"This pandemic has certainly hit our seniors a lot harder than a lot of other populations," said Colleen Jershy, a co-owner of the business in Tecumseh, Ont."Alot of them are already isolated. A lot of them have family from out of town ... Everybody doesn't want to get anybody sick and so reallythey've had a lot of social isolation."

She also said there are seniors who don't have any family or anyone to visit.

"We've even had a lot of people they call and they nominate themselves for the program.And they will tell us, you know, 'I listened to the radio, I heard about the program, I don't have anybody.' So, you know, it's very difficult to hear, but at least we can provide a little bit of light to them," she said.

Jershy explains how the program works: they collectgift packages and deliveritto those who are financially challenged, isolated and lonely during the holiday season. Some highly requested items include:blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, toiletry, activitybooks andgift cards.

She said those who are looking to donate can "sponsor as many people as possible" and drop off the items they want to donate outside of their office at 1071 Lesperance Rd. They also accept cash donations.

This year marks the10year anniversary ofthe program and they're looking to assist 1,616 people. They're accepting gifts until Dec. 4.