By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews.com
Amy Parker doesn’t run a non-profit organization. She isn’t affiliated with any social service groups. What she does do, though — for the second year in a row — is organize and execute a campaign to bring holiday joy to lonely senior citizens.
This season, the 14-year Yachats resident is again heading a drive to supply, pack and distribute gift bags to seniors in south Lincoln County — from Seal Rock in the north, through Waldport and Yachats to Tenmile Creek in the south. The program is not based on income eligibility, but on need — seniors who are alone or isolated, homebound, or just don’t have family around.
“There are so many programs in our area for different population groups, but nothing for higher-risk seniors,” Parker said.
That’s why, during the Covid lockdowns last year, she was motivated to create the gift bag giveaway.
Under her direction, the “Senior Secret Santa South County Elves,” as she calls her volunteers, made up and delivered “bags of joy to those who need a little extra” to 98 seniors. She stressed that the project is “definitely a group effort and could not be done without all the helpers.”
This year, the goal is to deliver holiday bags to 140 seniors, who are nominated — sometimes by their out-of-state children, sometimes by a neighbor, and sometimes by themselves. Inclusion is on a first-come, first-served basis. She stressed that names and addresses are kept confidential, and shared only with drivers assigned to specific deliveries. “Last year, our drivers saw everything from tears to excitement,” when they made their deliveries, Parker said.
The need now is for gift donations and holiday cards, wrappers, packers, and help spreading the word of the gift bag campaign.
“I get 10 emails a day from people who want to deliver,” she said, but first the bags need to be stocked and filled. Items like gloves, blankets and non-skid socks have been on the gift list, but potential donors should check with Parker before contributing any merchandise.
“We don’t want to offend anyone, but unless someone can provide 150 of any item (140 gifts, plus 10 extra bags for last-minute presentations), that won’t help us make sure all the bags are fairly equal.”
People interested in donating or volunteering may check the Facebook page of the Senior Secret Santa South County Elves or call Parker at 541-270-4375.
On the Facebook page, Parker keeps an updated list of items and quantities still needed, such as gift bags, Christmas cards and baked goods like scones or muffins. Besides merchandise donations, Parker said volunteers can also help create and distribute flyers, post notices on community web pages, and assist with community contacts to identify senior citizens.
The last date to sign up is Dec. 10.
Parker’s motivation for starting the campaign was personal. She has senior parents living in an area mobile home community, and visits them twice weekly.
“They get pretty lonely,” as do their elderly neighbors.
This kind of community outreach isn’t the Yachats resident’s first such venture. She grew up in Maui, Hawaii, volunteering at a soup kitchen there. And through the years, she has pitched in with youth and school activities. Currently, she helps with marketing and sales for Local Coastal Handyman, a contractor service run by her and her husband.
At age 41, Parker is a long way from being a recipient of the Senior Secret Santa project.
“I hope this is around for years to come,” she said. “Maybe when I’m old and lonely, I’ll get a gift bag of holiday joy myself.”
I would be happy to help in any way you need.