Volunteers wrap gifts for the elderly

Annandale area volunteers are brightening up the holidays for the elderly, who can sometimes feel especially isolated and lonely this time of year.

More than 110 people attended a huge gift-wrapping party at the Annandale fire station’s Ossian Hall Dec. 13 as part of the sixth annual Be a Santa to a Senior program organized by the Annandale franchise of Home Instead. Musicians David Kitchen and Dan Hovey entertained the gift-wrappers.

Several businesses contributed gifts, including Roy Rogers, Caribou Coffee, Curves for Women, Smith and Clarks Deli, and T.J. Maxx, along with community members, says Amy Reynolds, recruitment and retention coordinator at Home Instead. The volunteers came from Exxon Mobil, the Annandale Women’s Club, the Annandale American Legion Post, Girl Scout troops, and Immanuel Bible Church.

The gifts will be delivered to residents of Golden Living Center/Sleepy Hollow Manor in Annandale, the Morris Glen apartments in Alexandria, Mt. Vernon House in Alexandria, Commonwealth, and Lincolnia Senior Residences.