While many seniors enjoy being able to live independently, the holidays can be a difficult time for those who are unable to spend them with friends or loved ones.

“Research suggests that feelings of loneliness can have a real effect on both mental and physical health,” said Tracy Fazzolari, of the Washington Home Instead Senior Care office. “The holidays are a prime time for many people to feel lonely, and that may be especially true for seniors who cannot travel from their homes or have lost their support network.”

This is why the local Home Instead Senior Care office serving Warren and Hunterdon Counties is inviting the community to come together to bring some comfort and holiday cheer to area seniors through its Be a Santa to a Senior program.

To participate, shoppers can choose an ornament from participating locations. Each ornament will have the senior’s name and requested gift. Gifts are then returned to the shop where the ornament was chosen. Volunteers will wrap the presents before delivery.

Home Instead has also partnered with Veteran’s Haven North for its associated program, Be a Santa to a Veteran. When a tag has an American flag or red star, the gift is for a veteran.

“We’re excited to get started and see the tree ornaments turn into meaningful gifts and interactions that can make a real impact on seniors’ quality of life this holiday season,” said Fazzolari. “We know there are a variety of gift initiatives out there and are so grateful to have our partners and community come together to support this important cause that will bring some much-needed holiday spirit to many of our senior neighbors.”

Ornaments will be on display now through Dec. 11.

Ornaments can be found by the public at several local businesses and community centers, including Brookfield Glen (Belvidere), Coppers Salon (Washington), Kristina Michele Salon (Hackettstown), North Warren Pharmacy and Gifts (Blairstown), Panther Valley Pharmacy & Gifts (Allamuchy), Print Plus (Stewartsville), and Dairy Queen (Route 31, Washington). Blairstown Methodist Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church (Phillipsburg), and Warren Hills Regional High School (Washington) also have trees for their community members.