For Shannon Wygant of Springfield Township, Christmas isn’t just for kids.
‘It’s for adults, too. Some have no one at home, no family,? said Wygant, president of the local Home Instead Senior Care.
Volunteers from the community, churches, and schools filled Waterford Senior Center, Dec. 10, to wrap about 1,800 gifts for Home Instead’s Be a Santa to a Senior program.
‘It’s amazing. People have been coming and going all day,? said Nancy Wasilk of Davisburg, community service representative with Home Instead. ‘This is a very big project.?
‘It’s really neat to see everyone take the time to come out for a good cause, for needy people,? Wygant said. ‘It’s our way to give back to the community.?
About 1,500 seniors from all over Oakland County will benefit from the program, sponsored by National City Banks and Aco Hardware stores.
Seniors? wish lists were supplied by Christians in Action, OLHSA, Open Door, Hospitality House, Neighbor to Neighbor, Knights of Columbus Ladies Group, Sunrise, and other agencies.
The community donated gifts based on wish lists posted on local Giving Trees.
‘The gifts are beautiful,? Wygant said. ‘None of this would be possible without the Giving Trees and the public.?
Wygant has lived in the Clarkston area for the past five years. He started his Home Instead franchise in 2001.
He lived with his grandmother for 19 years, and built an apartment for her above his garage.
‘I was her caregiver,? he said. ‘It helped her stay healthy and happy at home with family close by. Our goal is to keep people in their home as long as possible.?
For more information, call 866-922-1400 or check www.beasantatoasenior.com or www.homeinstead.com.