This season, holiday shoppers in Monroe and Southern Wayne County can give cheer to area seniors by participating in the Be a Santa to a Senior  program.

The program – run by the local Home Instead Senior Care office in partnership with area retailers, volunteers and members of the community – helps ensure isolated seniors receive gifts and companionship during the holidays. This can be a difficult time for many, especially those who live alone or have lost spouses and loved ones.

An estimated 27 percent of people 65 and older (10.8 million people) are widowed, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Further, the Administration on Aging reports about 28 percent (11.8 million) non-institutionalized people 65 and older live alone.

The Mall of Monroe (2121 N. Monroe St.) will host a Be a Santa to a Senior tree from Nov. 1 to Dec. 20 that features ornaments with seniors’ first names and their gift requests. Holiday shoppers can pick an ornament from the tree, buy the items listed and return them unwrapped to the tree, with the ornament attached.

The local Home Instead Senior Care office will enlist volunteers from its staff, senior-care business associates, non-profit workers and others to collect, wrap and distribute the gifts to local seniors who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.

“Be a Santa to a Senior gives back to older adults in our area, many of whom have had significant, positive influence on our lives,” said Michael J. Nelson, MRC, owner at the local Home Instead Senior Care office. “During this season of giving, we encourage shoppers to buy a little extra to say thank you to these community members.”

For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com or call 734-240-3057.