After the initial success, Bill Marlatt observed, “this is it, we’re going to make it happen.”
And happen it did as this year, Smiles for Seniors will distribute gifts to about 1,000 residents in 10 area long-term care homes.
For the past eight years, Bill and his wife Sherry have organized the gift drive.
“Seniors deserve a Merry Christmas, even if they have no family around,” says Bill, Yurek Pharmacy Mobility Specialist.
And thanks to good Samaritans in the community, those long-term care residents are not forgotten about.
There are too many more good Samaritans to mention,” praises Bill.
“While the gifts are generally small, their hearts are big.”
A simple gift given to a resident in a long-term care facility Christmas morning represents the true spirit of the season.
And for Bill and Sherry, their Smiles for Seniors gift-giving program is grown beyond their wildest dreams.
Mention community support for Smiles for Seniors and Bill admits he gets goosebumps.
The outpouring of support from area residents is heart-warming praises Bill.
The couple stresses unfortunately for many of these seniors, it may be the only gift they receive at Christmas.
Bill fights off the tears as he recounts one story in particular.
Donation boxes where people drop off small, unwrapped gifts, will be at Yurek Pharmacy at 519 Talbot Street and Yurek Mobility at 31 Laing Blvd. until December 14.
Donors can also drop off small, unwrapped presents at:
- Unusual Finds – 449 Talbot Street
- Gurr Auto – 849 Talbot Street
- Closing the Gap Healthcare – 10 Mondamin Street
- The Art Crypt – 681 Talbot Street
- Waterworks Variety – 7 South Edgeware Road
- Fenlon’s Family Market – 114 Confederation Drive
- Home Hardware in St. Thomas and Port Stanley
- Giant Tiger in St. Thomas (gift card and cash donations only)
