Children get a lot of attention during the holiday season, but too often seniors get overlooked.
The first annual Santa to a Senior Angel Tree program in Dolores aims to change that.
The Dolores Chamber of Commerce and the Ponderosa Restaurant have teamed up for the gift-giving project, which is eligible for any senior in the Dolores 81323 ZIP code.
If you are as senior who needs a gift, or if you know of a senior who could use a present, register for an angel card at Dolores Chamber or at the Ponderosa Restaurant, 715 Railroad Ave.
The card is placed on a Christmas Tree at the restaurant, and members of the public can take one and buy the senior a gift. The sponsor gift must be dropped off at the Ponderosa by Dec. 22. They do not have to be wrapped. The gifts will be delivered by volunteers to the seniors by Christmas Day.
The card lists the senior’s gender, size, and a general wish list as a guide for the buyer.
“A lot of the items they are needing most of us take for granted, like coats, gloves, socks and basic electronics. It shows there is a real need,” said Dolores Chamber director Susan Lisak.
The other aspect of giving to local seniors is the social interaction of having someone visit their home.
“It lets them know people care,” Lisak said.
For questions or more information, call Lisak at (970) 426-9902.
Dolores will have its annual holiday ceremony from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Galloping Goose Historical Museum
Santa Claus will arrive via a Dolores Fire Department truck at 4 p.m. and hand out gift bags to kids. There will be free cookies and hot chocolate, and a bonfire. At 5:30 p.m., there will be a tree-lighting ceremony. Free rides will be offered on the Galloping Goose, and Christmas stories are told by staff from the Dolores Public Library.
Also on Dec. 14, judges will be driving around town rating the business and residential Christmas Lights contest.