For over 20 years, the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services has ensured no senior feels forgotten during the holiday season. This year, their Santa for Seniors program delivered over 200 gift bags and meals to isolated older adults across the county.  

The program’s success was made possible by donations from businesses and organizations throughout the area, including Ellison Bronze, Webber Knapp, Falconer Printing, the Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and the SUNY Fredonia Social Work Club. Local knitting groups, and various churches across the county also contributed to this year’s efforts.  

Volunteers, dubbed “Delivery elves,” drove through challenging weather, including near-whiteout conditions in Dunkirk and heavy snowfall elsewhere, to ensure every senior on their list was reached.  

“This program has been running for over 20 years, and it's about letting our seniors know they're valued and cared for,” stated Dana Corwin, Director at Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services. “We started the Santa for Seniors Program with our elder abuse prevention program, filling Nike shoe boxes with supplies for around 15 to 20 individuals. We have grown so much since then and are now serving over 200 people.”

"It's been so touching, to see so many people and churches in the community reach out to help," commented Kelly Prewitt, Santa for Seniors Coordinator with First Baptist Church. "To go from serving 15 to 20 people, to all of this, it's very touching to see."

"This program really is such a blessing," added Debbie Perry, Coordinator with the Rev. J Paul Womack Christmas Basket Fund. "It's a blessing not just for the people that we serve, but for us, and our delivery elves. They have made such wonderful connections and relationships with the people that we deliver to."

The impact of the campaign went beyond the gift bags filled with essentials, treats, and handwritten notes. For recipients, the gesture served as a meaningful reminder of community care.  

“I’m really happy to receive these,” said Dan, a Santa for Seniors Participant. “This means a lot, because it means I’m not alone.”  

Through dedication and community support, the Santa for Seniors program continues to bring warmth and connection to older adults across Chautauqua County.  

For more information about the Santa for Seniors Program and the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, visit here.