Volunteers Deliver Gifts & Meals to Over 200 Seniors Across Chautauqua County
“Santa for Seniors” volunteers deliver gifts and holiday meals, bringing not only necessities but also festive spirit and companionship to seniors in Chautauqua County.
MAYVILLE, NY — A season of generosity and hard work will culminate on Thursday, December 12, 2024, as the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services and its community partners deliver festive gift bags and meals to over 200 isolated seniors across the county.
Over the past month, volunteers and organizations have come together to collect, sort, and pack donations for the annual “Santa for Seniors” campaign. Now, the final and most rewarding step of the program begins: delivering the holiday cheer directly to the homes of seniors in need.
“This program is about so much more than the gifts,” said Dana Corwin, Director of the Office for Aging Services. “It’s about connecting with seniors who may feel forgotten during the holidays, sharing moments of companionship, and reminding them that they are a cherished part of our community. Watching this campaign come together each year is a testament to the incredible kindness and dedication of our volunteers and partners.”
Deliveries will begin Thursday morning, with county employees, local church groups, and volunteers of all ages hitting the road to personally bring gift bags and meals to recipients. These deliveries not only meet practical needs but also lift spirits with a dose of holiday magic and connection.
The preparation for this day has been an extraordinary effort. Community members, including the Rev. J. Paul Womack Christmas Basket Fund at Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church and The First Baptist Church of Mayville, have led the charge in gathering donations, sorting items, and preparing meals.
Corwin expressed her gratitude: “The success of this program would not be possible without the compassion and collaboration of so many. To every donor, every volunteer, and every organization involved—thank you for embodying the true spirit of the season.”
Each carefully curated gift bag includes a mix of practical items, holiday treats, and hand-packed meals. Deliveries provide a moment of personal connection, brightening the holidays for seniors who might otherwise spend them alone.
The hub of this year’s “Santa for Seniors” campaign is First Baptist Church in Mayville where, on delivery day, these gifts will embark on their journey across Chautauqua County, thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers who are ensuring that every senior on the list receives a moment of holiday cheer. This collective effort exemplifies the heart of the program: community members working together to brighten the season for those who need it most.
Among those delivering joy are multi-generational families, local government employees, and church members, all encouraged to participate. This shared experience often becomes a cherished tradition for families, who bond over giving back to the community.
Over the years, “Santa for Seniors” has grown to include more than 30 new participants annually, ensuring its reach expands to touch even more lives. This year's event follows weeks of community-driven efforts, including donation sorting and care package preparation sessions.
To learn more about the Santa for Seniors campaign or the Office for Aging Services, visit chqgov.com/office-aging or following Office for Aging Services on Facebook.
About the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services - Under the leadership of Interim Director Dana Corwin, the Office for Aging Services provides essential programs and services for seniors and their families, fostering independence, health, and well-being in a safe environment. To learn more or receive assistance, please visit chqgov.com/office-aging.
