SMILEMAKERS HOLIDAY PROGRAM
Irvine, California, USA.
Program Description
“This year we will be wrapping and distributing over 6,000 gifts and that’s 6,000 residents whose lives will be just hopefully made a little bit more joyful especially these are people who otherwise would not be receiving a gift.”
“An angel tag gives the person who’s purchasing a gift all the information they need in order to purchase the gift it gives the age it gives the gender and it gives the item that they really need.” coasc.org
“When you're in a nursing home and you really have nothing to look forward to that Christmas party when they bring Santa Claus in and distribute those presents is it's a joy it's an absolute joy to see.”
-coasc.org
SmileMakers coordinates with the council’s Long Term Care Ombudsman program to provide donated individually wrapped gifts to thousands of long-term care residents who would otherwise be forgotten.
The SmileMakers Holiday Program is able to provide older adults with needed or wanted gifts off of their wishlist during the holiday season through the help of corporate sponsors, fundraising events, donations drives and volunteers.
Those looking to help provide gifts to seniors during the holidays can host an in-kind donation drive for donations such as jackets, blankets, socks, slippers, cardigans, scarves, warm clothing and more.
SmileMakers Holiday is available for lunch and learn sessions for organizations who would like to engage their employees in holiday giving and donation opportunities.
The Council on Aging Southern California is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting older adults and their caregivers in Southern California. Its programs and services are designed to help seniors live independently and with dignity as they age. The organization helps older adults with one-on-one counseling to assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, friends and caregivers understand Medicare benefits and best healthcare options and also provides housing, transportation, legal, financial assistance along with health screenings, and chronic disease management support and caregiver support.
Through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program the Council helps advocate and fight for the rights of older adults and others living in nursing homes, board-and-care facilities, and assisted living communities. Staff work to ensure that individual rights are protected and help speak up for issues related to resident’s care and treatment.
source: coasc.org
Senior Activities
Senior Social
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