Holidays can be lonely times for many senior adults, especially those who are isolated. Many are also facing financial difficulties during these challenging economic times. But a local program, Be a Santa to a Senior (BASTAS), led by Cheryl Hernandez, is striving to change the holiday blues for many of those seniors.
Cheryl, CEO of Home Instead Clermont Home Care, leads the way in making the Christmas season a little brighter for many of our local seniors. The program is a nationwide program that was established 28 years ago by the organization Home Instead Care. This year will mark the 4th year the program has been active in the Clermont and South Lake area.
The program partners with local organizations to identify seniors in need and gather the wish lists of those who are identified. The personalized lists may include simple needs such as warm blankets, hygiene articles, or day-to-day household items, just as an example of the usual needs.
With the help of local businesses, “Giving Trees” are decorated with ornaments, each representing a senior and their desired gift. Community members or organizations then choose an ornament, purchase the gift, and help deliver some holiday cheer to the recipient. “By participating, you help us honor the lives and legacies of the aging adults we serve, ensuring that they feel appreciated and supported during this special time of year. Together, we can make their holidays a little brighter and their hearts a little fuller,” says Cheryl.
This year’s list of businesses that will host a Giving Tree is as follows:
- Headquarter Honda, 17700 State Road 50, Clermont, 407-598-0308
- Headquarter Mazda, 17500 State Road 50, Clermont, 407-378-4237
- AdventHealth, Clermont Health Park, 1919 East State Road 50, Clermont, 407-612-0109
- Belk Department Store, 270 Citrus Tower Boulevard, Clermont, 352-243-2227
- Bealls Department Store, 612 East State Road 50, Clermont, 352-394-8068
- Rae Cheveaux Salon, 355 Citrus Tower Boulevard, Suite 108, Clermont, 352-432-3667
- Teamont Café, 1250 North Hancock Road, Clermont, 352-978-8016
- Main Squeeze Juice and Smoothie Bar, 763 West Montrose Street, Clermont, 352-988-5028
- Clermont Police Department, 3600 South US-27, Clermont, 352-394-5588
According to Cheryl, the gifts will be delivered on December 20th by volunteers and Home Instead staff. “Our BASTAS program is about more than just giving gifts, it is about spreading joy, showing love, and reminding our seniors that they are an important part of our community. These thoughtful gestures brighten their holidays and bring a sense of connection and care, reinforcing that they are not forgotten,” says Cheryl.
Please contact the staff of Home Instead Clermont Home Care at 352-717-5700 or visit their Facebook page at HomeInstead.com/846 for additional information. Gifts may also be delivered to the office location located at 211 Citrus Tower Boulevard, Clermont.
