Seniors Still Believe: Help Make Christmas Magical for Homebound Neighbors
The holidays should be filled with warmth and joy—but for many seniors living alone, December can be the loneliest time of year.
Imagine sitting quietly in your chair, no family nearby and no presents under a tree. Then comes a gentle knock. A volunteer walks in holding a brightly wrapped gift. Inside are the cozy pajamas you’d wished for but never expected to receive. You smile and whisper, “Someone still cares.”
That moment captures the heart of Seniors Still Believe.
Since 2010, this program has brought hope, dignity, and joy to hundreds of homebound seniors across Tom Green, Concho, and Irion Counties and Miles, Texas. Every ornament taken from a tree represents a senior reminded that they are not forgotten.
How It Works
- Each participating senior writes down a Christmas wish—often something simple like pajamas, slippers, a blanket, or toiletries.
- Those wishes are turned into ornaments and displayed on Christmas trees throughout San Angelo and nearby towns.
You can:
- Choose an ornament and shop for your senior’s gift, or
- Donate $30 and let Meals For The Elderly shop on your behalf.
In addition, we collect stocking stuffers—puzzle books, socks, lotion, and small treats—to add a little extra comfort to each package.
Key Dates
- Individual Adoption Program: November 1 – December 1
- Community Partner Program: November 3 – December 3
All gifts and donations can be dropped off at designated tree locations or at the Meals For The Elderly office.
Two Ways to Make a Difference
1. Individual Adoption
Visit one of our participating tree locations (listed on our website and social media), choose an ornament, and fulfill your senior’s wish—or make a $30 donation and we’ll do the shopping for you.
2. Community Partner Commitment
Businesses, churches, and organizations can adopt multiple seniors, helping ensure every ornament is claimed and every wish fulfilled.
Levels of giving include:
- Santa’s Helper – 5 Seniors ($150)
- Jolly Giver – 10 Seniors ($300)
- Christmas Angel – 20 Seniors ($600)
- Custom Commitment – Choose your number of seniors
Why It Matters
For many seniors, this may be the most meaningful gift they receive all year.
Each wrapped package carries a simple but powerful message:
“You matter. You are loved. You are not forgotten.”
Last Christmas, more than 500 seniors received gifts through Seniors Still Believe. Each one opened not only a present, but also a reminder that love still surrounds them.
What You Can Do Today
- Commit to giving—as an individual or a community partner.
- Shop or donate and let us do the shopping for you.
- Drop off gifts at any participating location or bring monetary donations to the Meals For The Elderly office by the deadline.
- Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for ornament locations, updates, and stories of the lives you’re touching.
Be the Reason a Senior Still Believes
For just $30, you can make sure a homebound neighbor receives a gift chosen just for them—and a Christmas morning filled with hope.
Together, we can make sure no ornament is left on the tree and no senior is forgotten.
Spread a Little More Cheer
In addition to Seniors Still Believe, you can spread some extra cheer by donating stocking stuffer items listed on the graphic below.
Every small item—a pair of socks, a puzzle book, or a sweet treat—adds a personal touch to each senior’s gift and brings even more joy to their holiday season.
Drop off stocking stuffer donations today at the Meals For The Elderly office or any participating tree location.
