Each year, Sanford Center for Aging partners with local sponsors to provide gifts for older adults in the Senior Outreach Services (SOS) and transportation programs. This year, the Gifts of Joy program will support 70 clients and partner with three sponsors, City of Reno, Grace Church Widows Group and Living Stones Church.

“This season, we are trying something a little different,” said Crissa Markow, director of Community Services at the Sanford Center for Aging. “We've given donors the opportunity to choose gifts themselves, within some general guidelines, rather than limiting them to specific items. This approach allows shoppers to personalize their donation by choosing items they feel excited to give.  We then coordinate the logistics of picking up the gifts, and schedule with volunteers and staff to personally deliver each gift.”

Community Services is a volunteer-driven department at Sanford Center for Aging with multiple opportunities for volunteers. The companionship program, also known as SOS, was developed in 2002. It provides free, volunteer-based companionship to adults in Washoe County over the age of 60 who are socially isolated, lonely, residing in a private home setting, typically qualify as low-income, and seeking social visits. Volunteers are individually matched with a program participant and generally visit weekly, providing emotional support and friendship.

The Volunteer Transportation Program provides an alternative ride option for older adults who cannot drive themselves. Volunteers drive their personal vehicle and select rides from an online system based on their schedule and where they want to drive. This is a door-through-door service, meaning volunteers go to the individual’s front door, accompany them to the vehicle, and walk them into their appointment or errand if they request.

This is the first year the Sanford Center for Aging has included transportation clients in the Gifts of Joy event, so both transportation and SOS volunteers have been invited to help with delivering gifts. To date, 17 volunteers have signed up to deliver gifts, with some volunteers stepping up to deliver to as many as 10 clients.

“Donating to our local seniors is very rewarding for me,” said Izabella Baumann, senior engagement coordinator for the City of Reno Community Engagement and Services Department. “It is important to support our senior population and holidays can be a tough time for those who may be isolated and alone. This is an opportunity to support them and by having the volunteers deliver the presents, it is also an opportunity for companionship.”

City of Reno employees have been sponsors of the program for three years and are actively part of the planning of the donation event.

“Gifts of Joy is one of the most meaningful traditions of our year,” said Markow. “Everyone deserves a little light during the holiday season. For many of the older adults in our program, these visits and gifts may be the only ones they receive. This initiative gives us a special opportunity to connect personally with each client and remind them how much they are valued. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and their generous members—picking up these gifts is truly a joyful occasion for everyone involved and evokes the true ‘holiday spirit’.”

Those interested in supporting the programs and local elders can become a volunteer by calling (775) 784-4774 option 1, or by registering online.