For more than three decades the Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) has hosted its Senior Santa Adoption initiative. Each holiday season the OCOA “adopts” seniors, hosts festivities, gives holiday gifts, provides meals, and spreads Christmas cheer to thousands of Osceola seniors. It is one of my favorite programs of the year, as it kicks off the holiday season for both our staff and seniors.
Our initiative is special because it serves as a vital outreach program, while addressing isolation and loneliness which accompanies a substantial number of seniors during the holidays. According to AARP, one in four seniors will spend the holidays without a loved one, and one in ten will experience extreme loneliness during the holiday season.
Through our annual Senior Santa initiative, the OCOA not only supports those living alone, but those who are disadvantaged, within our community. From Senior Santa themed holiday events including a host of Christmas décor, to party favors, Christmas dinner, and a visit from Santa, this is an incredibly special holiday program in which the OCOA family looks forward to every year.
We are so thankful for all our community partners who come together each and every year, to make these holiday events so special. In 2023 alone, we supported more than 1,000 seniors and are looking to surpass that number in 2024.
By simply donating $25, you can ‘adopt’ a single senior. This will ensure they are provided with a personalized gift, delivered Christmas week, by our unwavering volunteers and staff, along with a specially prepared holiday dinner delivered on Christmas Day.
Having hosted this program for decades, we have had hundreds of volunteers who have delivered gifts and meals to adopted seniors. One of those volunteers is former Osceola County Sheriff Russ Gibson.
“I’ve discovered that delivering Christmas dinners to isolated seniors is not just a duty; it’s an enriching experience,” said Russ Gibson, Sheriff from 201620. “Witnessing the joy and gratitude in the eyes of those who might otherwise spend the holidays alone is priceless. This service reminds us of the profound impact we can have on the lives of our community’s most vulnerable members.”
As you can imagine, participation in this initiative and your contributions go far beyond material gifts; they create moments of joy, companionship, and nourishment which are essential elements for the well-being of our seniors.
To donate directly, visit https://osceolagenerations.org/senior-santa/. For businesses wishing to sponsor, there are numerous opportunities including individual, corporate giving, and/or promotional sponsorships. For more information, contact sponsor@osceola-coa.com.
As the OCOA has been in existence since 1971, our social services programs continue to evolve, providing seniors and disadvantaged families with financial assistance and self-sustainability opportunities. In this challenging economic time, we are continually asked to expand our support to more seniors and families, particularly amid Osceola County’s growing population. The Senior Santa Adoption program is just one more example of where we heavily depend on community support.
Through this program, we strive to create a festive community where each senior feels valued, supported, and connected. Together, let us make this holiday season a time of shared joy, and heartfelt connections, all within the spirit of giving. I wish you all a happy, safe, and joyous holiday season!
