Seniors not forgotten this Christmas

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Lions Club is working to ensure every local senior has a merry Christmas, through the Stuff a Christmas Stocking campaign.

Marlene Risdon, a Lions Club member who is leading the program, said the project was started to bring some holiday cheer to as many seniors in town as possible. A total of 452 seniors, including residents of Wheatland Lodge and Sagewood Care Home, have been earmarked to receive a stocking.

“Those people have been on lockdown and need some cheer,” said Risdon. “They might still be on lockdown at Christmas – I know a lot of their families aren’t coming this year.”

Each senior will receive a stocking filled with gifts. Anyone wanting to fill a stocking must contact Risdon to get a name, either by message, email or by stopping by her store, The Rack On 3rd.

Once given a senior’s name, the donor fills the stocking (or a box) with gifts. Risdon can provide a list of items for those who might be stumped as to what to provide.

So far, there have been many people, including some classes from local schools, stepping up to help fill stockings. Some local businesses are getting into the act by filling 10 or 15 stockings as a team effort. As of Dec. 14, Risdon said she had only about 75 names remaining. Risdon is hoping to have the stockings/boxes complete by around Dec. 18.

If there are any names left, the Lions Club will ensure these seniors receive a stocking with gifts. “Everybody will get something,” said Risdon.