NORFOLK, Neb. -- As the holiday season approaches, bringing cheer and warmth to many, there's a special program making a difference for those in living alone and might otherwise feel forgotten. Home Instead's "Be a Santa to a Senior" initiative is spreading joy by providing unexpected gifts to seniors, ensuring they receive a heartfelt reminder that they are not alone this Christmas.

“What started as a handful of gifts to area seniors experiencing loneliness or isolation has really blossomed into something big. We are coordinating the delivery of 200-plus gifts throughout Northeast Nebraska,” said Home Instead owner, Andrea Trautman.

With personalized and customized care experience, Home Instead, located in downtown Norfolk, prides itself on helping seniors stay at home despite whatever challenges they may face. To get the gifts needed, Home Instead will receive referrals through a number of community members, like healthcare providers or someone’s neighbor.

Once the referrals have been turned in, Kiara will start making tags that will go on the tree located in the mall and in front of Created Nebraska.

“Once the tags are placed on the tree, anyone can grab a tag with a gift idea," Trautman said. "After purchasing the item written, they can return the item at Nebraska Created in the mall or Home Instead. Once I receive the gifts, I will spread them out by separate names and towns, wrap them, load them, and create a route for delivery.”

“With the hustle and bustle of Christmas time excitement, it’s hard not to think about what we might want, but Christmas time should be so much more than that," Kiara said. "It’s more than the gift they receive because most of them just want to see someone show up and say hello.”

“Whether you donate something to the Home Instead program or not, you should look around and bring someone a little holiday cheer because that is what truly matters,” Kiara said.