There’s still time for people to donate items for the American Legion Auxiliary’s Santa for Seniors program
Gifts should be turned in by Dec. 16 for the annual sharing event, now in its fifth year.
Auxiliary volunteers will deliver the gifts to residents at the long-term care facility at Wrangell Medical Center, most of the residents at Senior Apartments, and the town’s other older citizens who don’t have any family or are shut in at home and unable to get out, said Marilyn Mork, who helps to organize the program.
“We want to help brighten the season for our local seniors,” the Auxiliary says in its promotions for the event. “Please help us be their Santa this year.”
Gifts may be dropped off at Angerman’s, City Market, First Bank, Ottesen’s Ace Hardware, Sentry Hardware, Tongass Federal Credit Union, Wells Fargo or Wrangell IGA.
The Legion Auxiliary’s suggestions include winter clothing such as slippers, socks, scarves, hats and gloves; large-print books and large-numbers clocks; Christmas candy; gift cards for groceries or hair salon; and lotions.
Volunteers will gift wrap and deliver the donated items in time for Christmas. Anyone with spare time to help wrap and deliver can call Mork at 907-470-0085. And anyone who knows a senior without family in town or is shut in can call Mork to get them added to the delivery list.
People who would prefer to donate money rather than go shopping can send a check to the American Legion Auxiliary, PO Box 546, Wrangell 99929.
In addition to helping seniors, the organization is sponsoring its annual holiday party for children on Saturday, Dec. 14. The event is in its 14th year.
Actually, there will be two parties, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to accommodate all of the children, Mork said. She will send out invites, likely on social media, to let parents know when to bring their children to the American Legion Hall.
As of Nov. 29, almost 200 kids were signed up for the parties, she said, adding that organizers have close to an additional 40 gifts for kids who did not sign up in advance but are welcome to come to the Legion Hall.
The party is open to infants through kids 12 years old.
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