5 Most Meaningful Ways to Support Senior Recreation Centers During the Holidays

December is a season for happiness and joy – we make merry as we say goodbye to the year and welcome the next. But it's also the national giving month, making it the perfect time to lend a hand to those in need. And what better place to start than with recreational centers that support our elderly loved ones?

Since most seniors can't travel or get together with their families during this time, senior recreation centers usually try to organize gift-givings and events to accommodate them. This way, they get to feel loved and remembered.

Wondering how to support the cause? Here are a couple of ideas that will make the most impact.

Donate Some Money

One of the more straightforward ways you can show your support is by sending money directly to the center to help fund any activities it'll organize for the seniors. These will usually be lunches, holiday-themed parties, or Secret Santa programs, which purchase and wrap personalized gifts for the elderly.

The best part about cash donations is that the centers can direct the money toward problems that need the most attention and deal with them as they arise. The Philadelphia Parks and Recreation runs a few of these senior recreation centers so your contribution will go a long way to help even one.

Volunteer

Support doesn't have to be financial. If you have time to spare, you can also show your love by volunteering to help with some activities around the local recreation center or nursing home.

Most senior recreation centers will have a volunteer or outreach coordinator who can assign you a role around the facility. This can range from coordinating bingo and other games or catering lunch for the seniors.

Make sure to go in a little early to help set up decorations. You can help unpack, climb up ladders, and move things around so the place feels more festive and cheery.

Sent Gift Packages

Another great way of showing seniors that someone is thinking of them is by sending care packages. Feel free to fill them with all those goodies that bring out the holiday joy. This can be store-bought gifts or homemade items and pastries.

If you are sending to a particular person, be sure to include a photo album or film that your loved one enjoys to bring on that holiday cheer. Spending the moment going through photo albums is a great way to draw connections, especially for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's.

Don't forget the support and care staff that takes care of them. You can show your appreciation for these caregivers by sending them care packages, gift cards, or even letters showing that you value their hard work.

Organize an Event

If you are well connected with the local community, you can organize an event or mobilize various groups like the local school or church choir and have them come and sing carols at the centers. Alternatively, you can organize a party or lunch where the seniors can bond and have a meal and refreshments.

If social distancing is required, you can live stream holiday-themed events like concerts and school plays. On the same note, if you won't be physically present, you can still be there virtually through facetime or video chats. Invite other relevant parties and family members to the chat to make it more wholesome.

Contact Senior Helpers to Make Your Contribution Today

Ultimately, the best way to support a senior recreation center is by making the seniors themselves feel genuinely loved. There are many ways of doing this. Being present is a good place to start, but if you can't make it, either one of the above can be organized remotely.

Don't know where to begin? Our staff at Senior Helpers can assist.

We offer senior care services to the elderly across Philadelphia, including Chestnut Hill, Bala Cynwyd, Narberth, and Montgomery County. We are in touch with senior recreation centers in the region and can help you make your contribution. Contact us today and see how you can assist.