By Sam Gilkey
For The News-Gazette

Santa comes to good little boys and girls.

And the Osceola County Council on Aging wants Santa to also visit good older men and women this year.

For more than 20 years, the Senior Santa program has provided a happier, healthier and more joyful holiday season for Osceola County elderly residents.

The council has identified more than 3,000 seniors who are in need of companionship and care.

“This year, more than ever, the community is needed to make this holiday season joyous for everyone including our often forgotten older residents,” Beverly Hougland, CEO of the council, said “What seems so simple as a gift, a meal and a visit can make the difference between depression and happiness.”

Senior Santa is designed to connect elderly residents and caring businesses, families and individuals.

Robert Dent, the council’s director of marketing and development, said that for a $25 donation the senior is provided transportation to the council’s Senior Santa Party that includes dinner, decorations and music.

“The party is scheduled for Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon,” Dent said. “In addition the donation also includes a special gift and a holiday meal that will be delivered to the senior’s home on Christmas Day.”

Dent said that upward of 300 to 400 people have come for the Santa parties in recent years.

This year will be the first Christmas without family companionship for 92-year-old Grace who lives in Kissimmee.

She moved from Tampa years ago to be close to her only sister. They lived near each other and every morning they waited for the Meals on Wheels to have lunch together.

Even when confined to a wheelchair, Grace’s sister would visit and they shared their last years together. The sister died earlier this year and there is no one left for Grace to share the holidays with.

Carlos is almost 72 and lives by himself in Kissimmee. He has received assistance from the council for 10 years.

He is only able to get about on his electric scooter or with a cane. With no family nearby, Carlos said he finds the holidays challenging and the loneliest time of the year.

A friend helps him get to church and some family calls are expected from out of state, but it will be the Senior Santa dinner and present that will make the holiday special.

Donations for the Senior Santa program may be sent to the Osceola County Council on Aging, 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee 34744. Checks should be made out to the council with a notation the money is for Senior Santa.

To donate by phone or for more information call 407-483-1498.