The annual Elves for Elders camp
aign has morphed into an opportunity to bring joy for thousands of senior citizens during the holidays. Recipients receive a generous gift from the public though “stars” picked up at various merchants statewide.
The objective of Elves for Elders is securing presents for seniors in communities such as nursing homes, adult day care centers, senior centers, nonprofit assisted livings, etc. who may not otherwise receive something during the holidays. The program has grown from 300 gifts in the first year to surpassing 5,000 gifts this year.
Presents range from pajamas and other clothing to toiletries (shaving cream, shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, etc.). The gifts are placed in festive bags and transported to the area care facilities to be distributed to the residents.
Spearheaded by Maxine Mae Hutchins, she is heartened by the immense support and generosity from people throughout this region.
“This began as an idea to show seniors that they aren’t forgotten,”
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Her event’s outreach included the following businesses that stepped up for Maxine:
– Three fundraisers were hosted by Halcyon at West Bay in Warwick. Those events raised a total of $10,000.
– Received donations from both Navigant Credit Union and Allstate Insurance.
They also received a generous anonymous donor!
“As a 501C3 being able to accept money from the community is a game changer,” she said. “It means the chance of reaching more seniors who are impacted during the holidays. It will brighten their day and perhaps, their outlook for the season.”
The Elves for Elders program began from a simple act of kindness, according to Hutchins. She decided to hand make and send out holiday greetings to seniors in two communities. It was a comment from one recipient, who said that was the only card she got, that sparked Hutchins with the idea that endures to today. This 82-year-old woman living in elderly housing had never married, had no children and her friends had passed on. Hutchins realized that this meant no one had brought this woman a gift for the Holidays and thought how alone that must make her feel.
“Getting some type of gift from anyone—be it from a family member or a total stranger—can make that person’s day,” she added.
The program works in getting gifts for seniors. Participants are asked to provide details—regarding something they either want or need. It could be a pair of pants, shirts, accessories or anything else, within reason. The gift requests are written on paper “stars” with the person’s request and specifics. Anyone who wants to contribute may pick a star, purchase the star request, include an appropriate size gift bag and put the items in a bag and return them to desired locations throughout Rhode Island.
The stars can be a jumping off point, Hutchins said. Donors have also included gift cards, perfume/cologne, soap, Q-Tips, shower caps and other treats along with the main gift. She explained that seniors are on a fixed income and may not have the resources or transportation to pick up those necessities.
There will be a Wrap Event held at Waste Express, 60 Amflex Drive in Cranston courtesy of John Souto on December 12th coordinated by Maxine Hutchins. One at Capitol Ridge in Providence, 700 Smith Street in Providence on December 12th coordinated by Deb Demar of White Cross Pharmacy. One at Scouters Hall, 13 Main Street in North Smithfield on December 15th coordinated by Carmella Beroth of Access Care Hospice. Members of a networking group called Seniors Rule as well as other volunteers assist to process gifts.
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Gidget Grivers from Navigant Credit Union will be coordinating efforts in Northern RI as well.
Robert Coogan, Jr. from R. E. Coogan Heating, Inc., and the Warwick Police Department plan to transport the gifts from Warwick Mall to the Capitol Ridge site.
“Thank you to everyone who hosted a tree at their businesses! Thank you to all my volunteers and everyone who attended our fundraisers,” Maxine said.
For more information about the project and how you can help, please contact Maxine Hutchins at maxiemae54@outlook.com.
