Hundreds of local seniors who otherwise might be forgotten this holiday season will receive gifts and companionship once again through the local "Be a Santa to a Senior" program. Dozens of senior living facilities, non-profit organizations and area retailers are partnering with event sponsor Home Instead Senior Care of Savannah and Hilton Head Island to brighten the lives of seniors in Chatham, Beaufort and Jasper counties with 1,000 gifts.

"While we focus on children during this time of year, we also must remember our older generation that too often is overlooked," said Rachel Carson, owner of Home Instead Senior Care offices in Savannah and Hilton Head. The program is also designed to provide social interaction for seniors who are unlikely to have guests during the holidays."

From Monday, Nov. 3, until Friday, Nov. 28, shoppers can select ornaments from "Be a Santa to a Senior" trees in Savannah at all four Darby Bank locations, Shear Elegance, 8507 Ferguson Ave., Neal Chiropractic and Wellness, 1101 E. 51st St., Curves, 7135 Hodgson Memorial, Merry Times, 4521 Habersham St., and the Wound Care Clinic, 815 E. 68th St.

Many others are helping with the program: Memorial Day School is having a dressdown day to raise money, Johnson High School is holding a stuffed animal drive, Curves at Savannah Mall is gathering wrapping paper and supplies, and Generation One is donating storage space for gifts. On Wednesday Dec. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. there will be a progressive dinner and raffle at Palm Meadows Court, Palm Meadows Village and Hawthorne Inn. Each ornament lists the first name of a senior in need, along with gift requests. Seniors were selected by participating non-profit organizations. Holiday shoppers can purchase gifts and return them unwrapped, along with the ornament, to the tree location. Home Instead Senior Care then enlists the help of community volunteers and staff members to collect, wrap, and distribute the gifts.

Wrapping parties are scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 2, and Wednesday, Dec. 3 in Savannah, and Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Broadcreek Care Center, and Wednesday, Dec. 10, at S.H.A.R.E. on Hilton Head Island. Santa Claus and many volunteers will deliver gifts beginning Thursday, Dec. 11. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact Home Instead Senior Care at (912) 355-0099 or hiscrach@bellsouth.net. Businesses are encouraged to contact the local Home Instead Senior Care office about adopting groups of seniors. For more information about the program, tree locations and community partners, log on to www.beasantatoasenior. com.