"Holiday Elves" To Brighten Seniors Christmas

For hundreds of older adults living alone in the St. Louis area, Christmas Day would be a lonely time, if not for the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging (MEAAA). For the pas 20 years, MEAAA volunteers have devoted part of their holiday to deliver a hot meal and a gift bag to homebound seniors who do not have family or friends celebrating the holiday with them. More than 6,000 meals for seniors age 60 or older, have been provided through the program; and this year another 400 seniors will benefit this Christmas.

“No one should be alone and hungry on Christmas Day,” said Mary Schaefer, executive director of MEAAA. “Thanks to our wonderful  volunteer ‘elves’ and the generous support of the community, we are able to bring a little joy and friendship to these seniors on this special day.”

Each senior receives a specially prepared Christmas dinner, along with a gift bag that includes dry soups, hot  chocolate, pudding and granola bars, as well as games and small personal items.

The program is completely funded through community donations. Contributions are accepted on-line at agingmissouri.org, or by check payable to MEAAA for Christmas Day Meals at 14535 Manchester Road, Manchester, MO 63011.

“Having someone show  up on Christmas morning to share a little holiday joy means so much to these seniors,” said Schaefer. ”It’s more than a meal and a few gifts; it’s the human contact they need and desire. That’s what the Christmas spirit is all about.”

About MEAAA 

Founded in 1973, MEAAA provides supportive services to persons age 60 and over, family caregivers and adults with disabilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson Counties. MEAAA’s 22 senor centers offer a wide range of programming, from assistance with Medicare and health insurance questions to employment and transportation services, energy and legal assistance with acquiring medical equipment and supplies. MEAAA also operates the region’s largest Meals on Wheels program, bringing nutritious meals and companionship to more than 2,100 homebound seniors each day, Monday through Friday. In addition, MEAAA serves as a Marketplace Navigator for the Affordable Care Act. MEAAA navigators are available to assist with selecting a health plan or completing an application. For more information, call 1-800-Age-6060 or go to www.agingmissouri.org