If you are searching for a way to give back this holiday season, London Drugs has officially kicked off its Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program, which will be underway until Dec. 16.
The program has been going on in Airdrie since 2017. Dan Do, assistant store manager at Airdrie London Drugs, said the program is a success every year because residents have a community-minded outlook.
“We have never had a year where tags have been left on the trees,” Do said. “We are really fortunate.”
According to Do, London Drugs has a tree set up with tags hanging from its branches listing common wishlist items and everyday essentials needed by local seniors. Until Dec. 16, shoppers can grab a tag from the tree and purchase the items on the list, which are then donated to Seniors Secret Service, which in turn delivers them to seniors. Seniors Secret Service has been operating in Calgary, Airdrie and area since 1985 to support seniors at more than 150 care facilities and various seniors outreach agencies.
Popular donation items, according to Do, include toiletry gift sets, books or magazines, blankets, candy or chocolate, sweaters, slippers or warm socks and herbal tea or instant coffee.
“It’s the little things that make someone’s day,” Do said. “You don’t really think that something as simple as slippers would mean so much, but they do.”
In a press release, Andrea Brumwell, executive director of Seniors Secret Service, said providing additional support for seniors is the organization’s number one priority.
“Because many already isolated seniors are being asked to stay home or may not have loved ones able to visit them, they need additional support getting essentials such as food, warmth items or toiletries,” Brumwell said. “[The program] for seniors donation drive at London Drugs is important because it helps us collect essential items used to create additional gifts, so no one is forgotten this holiday season
She also said many seniors who have lost a spouse or are without family spend the season alone, and it can be an especially difficult time for them. When seniors are lonely or isolated, it can compromise their mental health, but receiving a gift at Christmas reminds them someone out there cares about them.
“We know it is more important than ever to show seniors that they are not alone this year. Just the act of receiving a gift helps to significantly improve the spirits of a senior and can have lasting mental and physical health benefits for them,” Brumwell said.
With COVID-19 remaining at the top of mind for people, Do said everybody knows someone who has been affected in one way or another.
“The goal is to show our seniors we are here for them, even if we can’t be with them in person this year,” Do said.
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
