Now in its fourth year, a national non-profit program that has brightened the lives of hundreds of thousands of older adults with gifts and companionship is once again being organized locally again this year.

The "Be a Santa to a Senior" program, sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care, provides presents to seniors who otherwise might not be remembered this holiday season.

"We see many older adults who have no one during this festive season and that makes for a very sad and lonely time," said Gary Reid, owner of Home Instead Senior Care office serving Burbank, Glendale and the Foothill areas. "Whether they are in a nursing home or in their own homes, where more are choosing to stay, it's important to reach out to those who are usually overlooked during this special time of the year."

The Burbank Home Instead Senior Care office, whose caregivers provide non-medical home care and companionship to seniors, has partnered with local businesses, medical and Alzheimer's care centers, non-profit senior agencies and assisted living facilities for its annual "Be a Santa to a Senior" program.

Last year, area volunteers delivered hundreds of gifts to more than 580 area seniors, but it's not just about the gifts, said Reid.

"It's about providing much needed companionship to seniors," he said. "We hope that the community will support our efforts as a way of giving back to the older adults in our area who have given us so much."

From Monday, Nov. 12 until Wednesday, Dec. 12, shoppers can select ornaments from the "Be a Santa to a Senior" trees located at these locations:
Town Center Mall, 201 E. Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank

Glendale Galleria, 2148 Glendale Galleria

Curves for Women, 1090 San Fernando Road in Burbank and 3725 Clifton Place in Montrose

Glen Terra Assisted Living, 917 N. Louise St., Glendale.

Each ornament lists the first name of a senior in need, along with gift requests.

Holiday shoppers can then purchase items and return them unwrapped to the tree, along with the ornament. Home Instead Senior Care enlists community volunteers to gather, wrap and deliver the gifts.

A wrapping party is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the Joslyn Senior Center, 1301 W. Olive Ave. in Burbank at 4 p.m. Deliveries will take place the week of Dec. 17.

Anyone interested in wrapping and delivering gifts can contact Nancy Serpa at (818) 421-4829. Additional information can also be found at www.beasantatoasenior.com.

Businesses, churches and other groups and organizations are encouraged to contact the local Home Instead Senior Care office about adopting groups of seniors.

Last year, 196,500 lonely seniors across North America received 312,500 gifts through this program, which has become the largest gift-giving project of its kind for older adults.

In 2006, more than 21,000 volunteers supported the program and 1,500 locations across North America hosted a tree.

Gift Ideas for Seniors

The best gift is your time and companionship, but if you'd like to give a senior something to unwrap here are some ideas from Home Instead Senior Care in Burbank.

Gift Certificates and Pre-Paid Cards - Restaurants that deliver, home cleaning, professional caregiver and handyman services, manicures and pedicures, hair salons, book stores, grocery stores, art, craft or exercise classes, movie rentals or telephone cards.

Handy Tools - Night light or reading light,jar opener, automatic timer, weather radio, large button TV remote, doorknob extender, magnifier, reacher/grabber, wireless TV headphones or easy-to-read watch or clock.

Gifts for Comfort - Slippers or slipper socks, pillows, flannel sheets, plush bath towels, cozy lap blankets, easy-on ponchos or capes, heating pad, armchair bag for remote, glasses and books, moisturizers, soaps or perfumes.

Safety - Automobile club membership,smoke and carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher, installed grab bars, first aid kit, auto emergency kit or exterior motion lights.

High Tech - Hand-held electronic games like Scrabble, Sudoku and Battleship, video games like Nintendo Wii bowling and golf or Nintendo Brain Age, or a computer for e-mailing, sharing pictures, online shopping and searching the Internet.

Just for Fun - Magazine subscription, large-print books or books on tape, bird feeder and seed, binoculars, rain gauge, oversized playing cards, stationery and stamps, calendar, large print crossword puzzles, favorite candies or treats, favorite old movies or greeting cards.

Memories - Restored family photos in albums or frames, home video with personalized family messages, a family memory book with pictures and personal notes, or a personalized calendar.

Home - Bird feeder, wind chimes, window flower box, comfortable lawn chair, porch swing or glider, or a room makeover with a fresh coat of paint and window coverings.