Gaston United Way Christmas Wishes program shifts emphasis to senior citizens – Gaston Gazette

Christmas is still nearly eight weeks away, but thoughts of the holiday season have been on Rita Davis’ mind and in her heart for months.

Specifically, Davis has been thinking of the many senior citizens in Gaston County, surviving on small, fixed incomes, for whom Christmas morning may prove a dreary and lonely affair.

Davis serves as special projects coordinator for United Way of Gaston County. One of those special projects is the agency’s annual Christmas Wishes program – a program which seeks to brighten the holiday for those in need.

In years past, Davis explained, Christmas Wishes has attempted to help both children and senior citizens. This year, she said, the program will focus exclusively on senior citizens.

“We know that a host of programs exist to provide toys and gifts for children in our county,” Davis said, “but all too often, our senior citizens are forgotten. We thought this was a good year to change directions a little bit.”

The past couple of years, with the world turned upside down by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have been especially difficult for many seniors, Davis said, leaving many of them isolated.

“Senior citizens living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities or living alone have things they often need but cannot afford,” Davis said. “Simple things like toiletries, blankets, socks or even a new pair of slippers.”

And while the needs of seniors are often simple, she added, the appreciation expressed by seniors when those needs are met can be overwhelming.

“They are just so appreciative,” Davis said, “and so thankful. They are thankful for the gifts they are given, but they are also thankful just for being remembered and loved during the holidays.”

Davis noted that in many senior citizens’ budgets, no room exists for the “extras” of Christmas.

“Our senior citizens today, who are on a fixed income,” she said, “are struggling to buy groceries, pay for their medicines, pay their rent, and meet their basic needs.”

So how will Christmas Wishes work?

Beginning Monday, Nov. 1, applications for the program may be picked up at the United Way office in downtown Gastonia, at 218 E. Franklin Blvd.

Although online registration is not available, copies of the application may be printed on the United Way website at: unitedwaygaston.org.

The application period will close at the end of the business day on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Pick up of gifts is planned for Tuesday, Dec. 14, at the United Way office.

Anyone wanting to make a contribution to the program may mail it to: United Way of Gaston County, Senior Christmas Wishes, P.O. Box 2597, Gastonia, N.C., 28053.

Checks should be made payable to United Way of Gaston County with “Senior Christmas Wishes” in the memo line.

“We at United Way simply feel this is the right thing to do this year,” concluded Davis of the shift to a senior citizens program. “Many seniors simply don’t have what they need, and we’d like to put a smile on their faces.”

Bill Poteat may be reached at 704-869-1855 or bpoteat@gastongazette.com.