By Cecilia Nasmith

Community Care Northumberland announces a fourth annual holiday season of supporting seniors in need through their Adopt A Grandparent program.

The program will support isolated “grandparents” in Trent Hills, Colborne, Cobourg and Port Hope, spreading joy by providing meaningful and useful gifts.

“This program will provide comfort and holiday cheer to older adults who may be facing increased feelings of loneliness and financial uncertainty, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Manager of Wellness Services Natisha Taylor said in the press release.

Community Care Northumberland Chief Executive Officer Trish Baird said they have seen tremendous support and generosity for the program since its inception in 2017.

“This program is a great example of what can happen when our community comes together to meet a local need,” Baird said.

Anyone interested in adopting a grandparent this year can call 705-653-1411 or e-mail n.taylor@commcare.ca to be matched with a senior. Community Care will provide a list of recommended and desired items, and sponsors can call their local Community Care office to arrange a drop-off of gifts – with a Dec. 11 deadline. Community Care staff will wrap the gifts and deliver them safely just before Christmas.

Alternatively, members of the community can adopt a grandparent by making a donation and leaving it to Community Care staff to complete the shopping.

For this year, organizers are urging participants to refrain from home-made baked goods. And those who wish to donate hand-made items like scarves or mittens are asked to include instructions on their cleaning and care.

Non-perishable food items that can be easily included are one gift suggestion. Others that are encouraged include gift cards to local stores and gift cards to Community Care programs such as transportation and Meals On Wheels.