By Diane Davies-Dixon
With the month of giving upon us, The Christmas Gala, Inc.”Creating Solutions for seniors” began the season Tuesday, November 5, by setting up “Giving Trees” and posters at 10 different locations.
With the month of giving upon us, The Christmas Gala, Inc.”Creating Solutions for seniors” began the season Tuesday, November 5, by setting up “Giving Trees” and posters at 10 different locations.
Impact Thrift Store on Street Road in Feasterville kicked off the event as Impact Director of Business Development, Jo Greenewalt , helped decorate the tree that welcomes guests with the TCG, Inc. volunteers.
The Christmas Gala is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by Cheryl Campbell consisting of many volunteers who share the mission to help local seniors in Bucks County and Burlington County.
Seniors who are low-income, receiving meals on wheels and have no family, are referred to the program through social workers and senior centers , according to Campbell.
“The main goal is to make sure every senior has a gift to open during the holiday season,” said Campbell.
This is the fifth year for the Giving Tree Program, formerly named the Angel Tree Program.
Some of the seniors requests are as simple as winter scarves to help keep them warm, robes, slippers, winter coats, blankets and sheets
Others wish for sweets and other snacks they cannot afford to buy on their own. Such as, unsalted pretzels, Whitman’s chocolate samplers, pistachios, Hershey chocolates
Another senior is requesting a CD player for entertainment since he cannot afford cable television.
And sometimes they have wishes for prayers.
One person in particular is asking for prayers that her son receives the kidney transplant he needs.
Last year the organization granted 350 senior wishes. The goal for the organization this year is to fulfill 500 wishes.
With the help from the community and local businesses there is no doubt in Campbell’s mind that it can be done.
“No wishes will be left on the trees,” said Campbell.
One business, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. gave TCG, Inc. a $4,500 grant last year to help purchase items on some of the lists. This year they increased the grant to $6,500, according to Campbell.
“It’s nice to know there is something in place for seniors,” said Amy Herzog, volunteer. “I will be there one day.”
To begin the volunteers place 10 to 15 wishes on each tree and revisit and add to the tree as needed.
TCG, Inc. takes requests from social workers and senior centers up to the last week in November.
As customers, patients, etc. enter businesses with the Giving Trees they can remove a portion of the tag from the tree if they want to donate and return the items to that location.
Some requests may come in the form of an emergency need such as glasses, food, wheelchairs, air-conditioning, etc. and are handled immediately. And those seniors still receive a gift for the holiday.
The intention of the program is not only to provide seniors with items they cannot afford on their own but to take away some of the loneliness that comes with the holiday season, according to Campbell.
The program runs through December 13. Trees and posters have been decorated with little wish lists from seniors in need at the following designated areas:
Dr. Christine Landes Dentist in Newtown
Hair Artistry in Levittown
Curves on New Falls Rd in Levittown
The Chiropractic Office of Dr. Gina Genin in Morrisville
Liberty Auto Tag in Fairless Hills
Morrisville Lanes in Morrisville
Miracle Ear in Bensalem
Impact Thrift Store in Feasterville
Turner, Cook and Snyder Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Langhorne.
Wood Lane Wellness Center Dr. Lisa Ducker and Fran Wein in Langhorne
The following businesses do not have trees but are accepting donations to be dropped off:
Keller Williams in Langhorne
Flowers by Jennie Lynne in Fairless Hills
Tina Davis Office in Levittown
Kristine Michael Lawyers office in Langhorne
Another way the community can donate is online www.thechristmasgala.com.
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