Christmas spirit can be found wherever Santa for Seniors team goes

By Teri McKeown

The LCSNW Santa for Seniors team is wrapping up the holiday season in the best way possible, by celebrating with our community. Recently, the team joined residents at Mercy Housing’s New Tacoma Senior Apartments for their annual Christmas party, marking our ninth year of being part of this cherished tradition.

Santa for Seniors Director Susan Nocella and Program Assistant Mackenzie Bray greeted residents with warm smiles as they arrived to visit Santa —portrayed by our very own Pat Jenkins, Senior Friends Program Coordinator. This year, Santa for Seniors provided residents with 215 holiday gift bags filled with cozy essentials like warm gloves and socks, fuzzy blankets, calendars, and puzzles. The room was full of laughter, connection, and holiday spirit.

The celebration, hosted by Mattye Berry-Evans, Service Coordinator at New Tacoma, offers residents much more than gifts and a meal. Mattye is deeply committed to building community and fostering intergenerational connections — values she says are essential to the well-being of her residents.

“This event brings joy to the residents. It helps decrease isolation and increases socialization during these challenging times,” she shared. “We’ve got to be together as a community—striving and thriving. To me, it is so rewarding to see everyone’s smiling faces.”

Our partnership with Mercy Housing continues well beyond the holidays. Throughout the year, Santa for Seniors delivers Valentine’s cards and locally made treats, spring gift bags, and fall safety kits. LCSNW also collaborates with Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources (ADR) to promote the Falls Prevention Program, helping to keep residents informed and safe.

Mattye summed it up best, “We’ve got to keep it going.” And thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners, we will.

ABOUT SANTA FOR SENIORS

This year, Santa for Seniors distributed 11,000 gift bags in more than 16 counties in Washington state, in addition to more than 3,500 recipients of smaller gifts such as ornaments and cards.

The team also has gift distribution partnerships in Oregon, Minnesota and Alaska.