Santa for a Senior
ROSICLARE – The holiday season was made a bit brighter for 34 Hardin County senior citizens thanks to the “Santa for a Senior” program coordinated by the staff at Rosiclare Rehab and Health Care Center. It was the second year for the program and it all started with a very simple goal. “We just want to bring a little joy into the lives of folks who may feel forgotten this time of year” according to Rosiclare Rehab administrator Lucinda Spivey.
The Rosiclare Rehab staff received nominations from the community, and the public was able to select a senior from a tree displayed at the Hardin County Chiropractic Center in Elizabethtown. “We wanted to help seniors with financial needs, but also a spiritual need” Spivey said. “They have lived full, and amazing lives but the holidays can get a bit lonely.”
The role of Santa went to Rosiclare Rehab maintenance supervisor John Strawser, who said the experience made him a believer. “Santa is not just for children” Strawser said. “The seniors we visited just lit up when they came to the door. I think it’s what Santa stands for; hope, joy and a little bit of magic.”
The laughter, and a few tears, shared by the gift recipients means that a bigger and better version “Santa for a Senior” will be back next year. “We plan to expand into Pope County next year” Spivey said. “When you live and work in this community like we do, and you see the response from seniors, it makes all the work and planning worth while.”
More photos from this year’s “Santa for a Senior” event can be seen online by visiting our photo gallery.
