Nominate and ‘Adopt’ a Senior This Holiday Season!

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Office for the Aging (OFA) is now accepting nominations and “adoption” forms for its annual “Santa for Seniors” program to support older adults who have limited resources or may be alone during the holiday season.

Nominations can come from community members or from the senior adults themselves and must be submitted by Tuesday, Nov. 10.

“While many of us look forward to the holidays as a special time to gather with family and friends, some seniors in our community may face the season feeling alone,” said Oswego County Legislator Michael Solowy, District 23, chairman of the Legislature’s Human Services Committee.

“‘Santa for Seniors’ is a wonderful opportunity to make sure they are not forgotten during this meaningful time of year,” he continued. “By including seniors in the holiday festivities, we can remind them that they are valued and cared for. Together, we can help make the holidays brighter for our seniors and show them that they are an important part of our community.”

Oswego County OFA Director Sara Sunday added, “We encourage seniors who may be spending the holiday season alone or with limited support from family and friends, as well as those who know an older adult in this situation, to reach out and nominate them for the program.”

She said that her staff will need information about the nominee’s interests, hobbies, personality, clothing sizes and any suggested or needed gift items, so nominators should have that information handy.

“This helps ‘adopters’ select thoughtful gifts that are personalized to each senior,” she said.

People who would like to recommend an older adult to receive gifts can fill out a nomination form on the OFA’s website under “Downloadable Forms.” They can also call OFA Senior Aging Services Specialist Elizabeth Weimer at 315-349-3570 or stop into the office at 74 Bunner St. in Oswego to complete an application.

Seniors interested in the program can be screened in-person or over the phone. Nominations must be submitted by 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Families and organizations who would like to “adopt” one of the nominees by providing gifts for them can fill out an ‘adopter’ form on the OFA’s website under “Downloadable Forms” or contact Weimer, also by Nov. 10.

“Adopters” will receive an email with information on the senior(s) they are paired up with. Gifts must be wrapped, placed in a bag with handles and delivered to the OFA no later than Friday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. “Adopters” are asked not to give gift cards, plants or perishable items.

For details, email Weimer at [email protected] or call 315-349-3570.

The Legislature’s Human Services Committee oversees the Oswego County Office for the Aging. In addition to Legislator Solowy, committee members include Vice Chairwoman Noelle Salmonsen, District 21; Joseph Arduini, District 22; Mary Ellen Chesbro, District 10; Richard Kline, District 12; Linda Lockwood, District 11; and Ryan Taylor, District 25.