With the season of giving approaching, Community Care Northumberland (CCN) is hoping to brighten the spirits of more than 100 Northumberland County seniors and is calling on community members to help make it happen.
CCN has announced the launch of its 2025 edition of the non-profit organization’s “Adopt a Grandparent” program. Returning for its ninth consecutive year, the initiative is intended to ensure as many seniors as possible receive warm wishes and a gift under the Christmas tree this year.
“We’re hoping to reach 132 seniors this year, which is the same number we matched last year,” Patti Aitken, wellness manager for CCN, told kawarthaNOW.
Aitken said the type of gifts that are ideal vary, but she shared some overall tips.
“Gifts can be specific to the grandparent or, in many cases, more general — we always encourage including toiletries,” she explained.
“We try to provide donors with as much information about their grandparent as possible, such as likes, hobbies, and needs. If the grandparent uses any of our paid programs (including) transportation, Meals on Wheels, or personal distress alarms, we recommend Community Care gift certificates to help them cover the cost of these services.”
Aitken said in some cases, monetary donations may be made, and CCN will take care of the shopping for that senior.
There isn’t a set budget to adopt a grandparent. On average, each gift ranges from $75 to $100, but CCN encourages donors to give the amount with which they are comfortable.
“We often receive individual item donations that can be added to gifts if needed,” Aitken said.
The initiative is intended to spread joy by surprising seniors who may be experiencing isolation or loneliness with meaningful gifts during the holiday season.
“This program brings smiles of appreciation not only from our grandparents but from the many individuals and families who join together to support a holiday gift and from the volunteers and staff who deliver the gift,” said CCN CEO Trish Baird in a statement. “Adopt a Grandparent demonstrates the true spirit of the season and the generosity of our community.”
In a card received by CCN from an adopted grandparent last year, the senior expressed their appreciation for the program.
“Your gifts meant so much to me. The few members of my very scattered family who had been here for my birthday had just left. The bird feeder went into immediate use, as my existing ones had rusted out. Four woodpeckers appeared at once, with the cardinals close behind. All the other lovely things were discovered, needed, and enjoyed. You made Christmas for me, my cat, and my dog. Thank you.”
CCN said the senior’s message highlights the meaningful impact of the program, which is to bring joy, comfort, and connection.
Those interested in adopting a grandparent can do so by calling CCN at 1-866-514-5774 or by emailing wellness@commcare.ca to be matched with a senior. Following the purchases, recipients are then asked to drop off the gifts at their local CCN office.
CCN requests that unwrapped gifts (gift bags or baskets are acceptable) be dropped off at a local office on or before Friday, December 5. Volunteers will deliver the presents to recipients during the week prior to Christmas.
Participants are also asked to refrain from including homemade baked goods and, for handmade clothing items such as scarves or mittens, include washing instructions.
Community members can also take part in Adopt a Grandparent by donating to the program and ask CCN staff to complete the shopping on their behalf.
