This holiday season, the Commission on Aging, in partnership with the Concord Senior Center and Home Instead, is proud to present the “Be a Santa to a Senior” (BASTAS) program, a heartwarming initiative that brings holiday cheer to seniors who may be facing loneliness or financial hardships.
BASTAS offers a meaningful opportunity for residents to give back and make a positive difference in the lives of older adults in need. Here’s how you can participate:
- Visit any of the following locations, where you’ll find Christmas trees adorned with gift tags: City of Concord facilities (Civic Center, Concord Community Pool, Police Department, Senior Center), Concord Library, Pleasant Hill YMCA, Visit Concord, Concord Chamber of Commerce, Luna Restaurant, Fiore Restaurant, Min’s Kitchen, and the Old Spaghetti Factory.
- Select a gift tag (or multiple tags!), which will feature the items a senior has requested.
- Shop for the items listed on the tag, then return the unwrapped gifts to the same location no later than Monday, Dec. 9. Gifts can also be returned directly to the Concord Senior Center (2727 Parkside Circle) during business hours.
I do know Scouts have participated in Santa to a Senior, including my Scout (and me), and my recommendation is for any youth, and their parents, to participate in this. It is magical to see the joy, whether brief or long lasting, brought to these seasoned individuals. It is a well-organized event and what a great thing to do.