Holiday Gift Program For Seniors Hits A Snag
(CBS) -- A holiday charity benefitting more than 700 senior citizens is worried it won't be able to grant the Christmas wishes of more than half of them.
CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports the loss stretches beyond items that won't be under the tree.
"As we grow older we become more and more isolated," says Lloyd Bradbury of Lyons.
"I think it's great you outreach to seniors because there are a lot of them who are alone."
He's one of the seniors you remember when you take a paper ornament from a giving tree, and fulfill a simple Christmas wish.
For over a decade, Pat Kennedy has sponsored a dozen "Santa to a Senior" trees in west suburban stores, collecting requested blankets, lotions and other gifts.
But this year, despite advance permission, four Walgreens stores suddenly asked her to pull the trees.
"Those four Walgreens alone accounted for 250 elderly in our community," Kennedy says.
A new manager cited company policy, then pulled 3 more Walgreens trees, and the unfulfilled wishes mounted.
As many as 400 requests may go un-granted.
After CBS 2 contacted Walgreens' headquarters, the company came through with donations of ear muffs, candies and toiletries, saying, "We apologize for the miscommunication."
Santa to a Senior is thankful for the Walgreens donations, but it still wants to grant the exact wishes made by the seniors it serves, some as old as 101.
To help, call Pat Kennedy at (941) 928-4172.
