Staff from LCS Northwest and Tacoma Public Utilities, along with cakepop baker Terry DeJohnette (fourth from left), gather before delivering Valentine’s Day treats to seniors.

Here’s an example of how the many elves in our Santa for Seniors program are finding ways to spread cheer year-round.

LCSNW teamed up with another organization and a small, minority-owned business to bring smiles and sweet treats to seniors in the South Puget Sound area. Our Santa for Seniors team, along with Tacoma Public Utilities and Mimi’s Gourmet Cakepops, worked together to make Valentine’s Day joyful for seniors who might feel lonesome or isolated.

The employees of TPU donate to a Senior Assistance Fund, which makes grants to seniors who need help paying their utility bills. A portion of the fund helps brighten seniors’ lives. Since the height of the COVID pandemic, TPU has partnered with Santa for Seniors to deliver sweet treats and valentines made by the community to those who can use a boost of kindness.

TPU’s employees typically choose a small local business to support the effort. This year, Mimi’s was happy to come aboard. On Feb. 14, they provided dozens of cakepops in a variety of flavors. Besides the classic chocolate and vanilla, favorites include key lime, red velvet and coffee crunch. All were decorated in Valentine themes. Mimi’s has brought sweet delights to Tacoma residents for 10 years.

“It makes me really happy to know that our cakepops will be making seniors smile,” said owner Terry DeJohnette.

Ebon Brown, a senior wire electrician at TPU and an organizer of this year’s event, described the partnership as “a win-win situation in which we help seniors in need and spend at a local business.”

Each year TPU’s Community Connections program selects 40 to 50 projects, all funded by TPU employees. Last year, they also contributed to our Meals on Wheels program.

Santa for Seniors Director Susan Nocella is excited about the new February tradition. 

“This partnership started in 2021 during the pandemic, and brought an unexpected and fun opportunity to support both our seniors and a local bakery. We have been delighted to continue this event, and have it expand into an annual tradition,” Susan said. 

To learn more, read this article in the Tacoma Weekly.