LAFOLLETTE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – Becky Pierce with ETHRA’s Office on Aging is once again spearheading the Santa for Seniors program this Christmas season. Participation by the community is encouraged.

While children are the beneficiaries of many holiday programs, people often don’t think about the isolated and lonely seniors who need to be remembered as well during the season

So I am currently soliciting sponsors for our needy seniors. Please pass this on to whomever you think might be interested. Here is a quick rundown:

  • Similar to Angel Tree except for low income and isolated Seniors in our community
  • Participants must have been nominated to write a “Santa Letter” I have chosen 3 Representatives in the county that have a lot of contact with the older needy adults in our county that will be making the referrals for this. (although if there is someone you would like to see put on the list you can contact me and I will try to find a spencer for that person)
  • Nominated seniors will write a wish list for Santa. Those lists will be divided up among sponsors (Usually an office works out really well because you can pool resources for your person).
  •  All items are returned to the Tazewell Senior Center (180 Jaycee Lane Tazewell TN 37879) Wrapped or in a gift bag and the ID# I give you on the gift.
  • You will not know who your senior is-you will receive complete instructions with your wish list. Your tags will be numbered with ID #.
  • Gifts will be picked up and distributed by the agencies that have been chosen to nominate the seniors leading up to Christmas Day.
  • Gifts will have to be dropped off at the ETHRA office 2301Jacksboro Pike Lafollette TN 37766 by December 17th to allow time for delivery.

It’s important to note that most of the people we serve with this program aren’t on anyone’s Christmas list and would otherwise not be celebrating Christmas.

If you are willing to be a Senior Santa, You can contact me @

Becky Pierce

Campbell/Claiborne County Office on Aging Director                                   

2147 Jacksboro Pike

Lafollette, TN  37766

bpierce@ethra.org

Cell-865-705-9675

Fax-423-566-2187

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 10/21/2021-6AM)