Elves for the Elderly spread holiday cheer to Highland Lakes seniors
Kim Roberts (left) and Bessie Jackson wrap presents donated to the Elves for the Elderly program. The annual event collects gifts for area homebound and lonely seniors who might otherwise go without a Christmas present. People may drop off donations at Elves for the Elderly boxes placed across the community. Call (512) 755-2918 or (512) 756-4334 for more information or to make a donation. Courtesy photo
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
BURNET — For years, Jeanene Olson championed Elves for the Elderly, a program that makes sure homebound or lonely seniors receive Christmas presents. But, because of health issues, Olson had to step aside, leaving what might have been a gap in the program.
But then, Sara Reily of the Burnet County Meals on Wheels and Bessie Jackson of Texas Housing Foundation’s Residents’ Services got together.
“We just couldn’t let it end,” Reily said. “It’s too important of a program.”
In November, the two, along with Kim Roberts, vice president of resident and community services of the Texas Housing Foundation, went to work.
“It was pretty short time, but we got things going,” Jackson said.
Elves for the Elderly collects items that go to area senior residents who might otherwise not get a gift during the holidays.
“The whole essence of the program is that it serves residents and seniors who probably don’t have family living nearby or usually aren’t local,” Jackson said. “They probably wouldn’t get a visitor or gift.”
Organizers have placed collection boxes at various locations. They are looking for gift items such as non-slip slippers, mittens, gloves, mufflers, blankets, socks, lap quilts, night lights, large-print books and puzzle books. Reily said, in the past, items such as cookies and sweets were not requested because of the possible effect on the health of some of the the seniors.
“But for us (at Meals on Wheels), we know who our clients are, so we know which ones can and can’t have sweets,” she said. “So, this year, we’ll accept cookies and things like that.”
Jackson said the simple act of giving a pair of gloves or a book can really impact the receiving senior.
“It shows them that somebody still remembers them, somebody cares,” Jackson said.
The Texas Housing Foundation in Marble Falls, which manages several senior residential centers, hosts regular events for its residents such as potlucks or other meals. As the folks arrive and sit down, Jackson said the look in their eyes is wonderful because it’s not just about the meal, it’s about coming together.
“I like that light in their eyes when they see that they are remembered and cared about,” she said.
“The hugs, when we leave, that’s our blessing,” Roberts said.
Now, the three women are giving the community a chance to be a blessing to area homebound and lonely seniors. All it takes is dropping off a gift in one of the boxes placed across the community or calling Jackson at (512) 755-2918 or Reily at (512) 756-4334.
The boxes will be out until Dec. 16, but organizers will hold a wrapping party Dec. 13 at the Highland Oaks apartments community center, 1600 Mustang Drive in Marble Falls. The event starts at 9 a.m. and continues throughout the day, so people can come and go.
Elves for the Elderly boxes can be found at First Lutheran Church of Burnet, 133 Apollo Drive in Burnet; First United Methodist Church of Burnet, 909 Vanderveer St. in Burnet; the Burnet Neighborhood Center, 102 E. Johnson St. in Burnet; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 1803 RR 1431 in Marble Falls; Community Resource Center, 1016 Broadway in Marble Falls; First United Church of Marble Falls, 1101 Bluebonnet Drive in Marble Falls; and the Highview Retirement Village, 200 RR 1431 in Marble Falls.
daniel@thepicayune.com