The holiday season is the time of year when families draw closer, warmth is shared, and smiles blossom into memories and love. For many years, this time of year shines brighter due to the giving spirit of Home Instead. Michelle Brunell, the owner, explained that in 2004 the Home Instead Network launched the delightful program, Be A Santa To A Senior.
Their objective is to give back to the community by providing gifts and holiday cheer to seniors who are less fortunate. Locally, they initiated the program during their first year of operation in 2004. Each holiday season, the program touches the lives of around 200 seniors in the community. Home Instead is comprised of over 1,400 independently owned and operated franchises throughout the United States and is in 14 other countries. Locally, there are Home Instead franchise offices in Lee’s Summit, Pleasant Hill, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Liberty.
“We do not deliver gifts to the home. Instead, we reach out to senior living communities, inviting them to participate,” Michelle says. “Those communities identify seniors who may not have family in the area and those who may not have the resources to purchase the extras that will make their day a little easier. Given the fact that Santa is very busy, the gifts are delivered by Santa’s elves.”
Each holiday season, participant packets are sent to senior living communities, and they complete their wish list, kind of like their letters to Santa. Confidentiality is maintained for all participants. Then, Home Instead prepares an ornament and places the ornament on a Christmas tree located in The Living Stone, Lee’s Summit. People can choose an ornament, purchase the requested items, and place the ornament with the gifts in prepared bags under the tree.
Other partners include Centerpoint (orthopedic, physical therapy, occupational therapy), Credit Law Center, and Academy Bank.
There are also individuals who adopt our veterans. Home Instead is committed to allowing seniors to happily, peacefully age in place with a mission of enhancing their lives and their family's lives. Each member of the team is committed to providing quality care and meeting the specific individual needs of each person they serve. They are always recruiting individuals to “share their heart” with seniors. Becoming a CAREGiver provides an opportunity to brighten the lives of seniors and help them safely remain in their homes.
PERSON INFO BOX
Anyone interested can call their office, 816-554-6166, or visit HomeInstead.com/540.