1,485 Reasons to Celebrate: A Year of Gifts, Dignity, and Community
Every year, I’m reminded of something simple but powerful:
A gift is never just a gift.
It’s comfort. It’s dignity. It’s a reminder that someone still sees you and cares.
And this year, I am so excited to share what we were able to do together through our senior gift program.
This Year’s Program Served 1,485 Seniors
That number still stops me in my tracks.
1,485 seniors were part of this year’s program, and every single one of them represents a story, a lifetime of memories, and a person who deserves to feel valued.
We partnered with 28 organizations, facilities, and agencies to help identify this year’s gift recipients. These partnerships matter so much because they connect us to the people who truly need the extra support, encouragement, and love.
And I have to say… the reach this year was incredible.
Our recipients ranged in age from 60 years old all the way to 106 years old.
Yes, you read that right. 106.
Who We Served
This year, we had:
414 men receiving gifts
731 women receiving gifts
And something that truly touched my heart:
4 men and 6 women were 100 years old or older
That is ten centenarians. Ten lives that have seen wars, recessions, technological revolutions, and decades of family joy and hardship.
To be able to honor them in a small way is… honestly, it’s a privilege.
We also saw that:
60% of recipients were in their 70’s and 80’s
10% were 90 years old or older
These numbers matter because they represent a stage of life where needs change. Energy changes. Bodies change. Sometimes support systems change too.
And that’s exactly why programs like this are so important.
The Most Requested Items (And Why They Matter)
One of the most meaningful parts of this program is seeing what seniors actually request. It’s never flashy. It’s never extravagant.
It’s real-life necessities.
Here were the top 5 most requested items this year:
1) Stamps
614 requests (42%)
This one is always a reminder to me that connection matters.
So many seniors still love to send a card, write a note, or keep in touch the “old-fashioned” way. Stamps aren’t just postage.
They’re relationships.
2) Body Wash
553 requests (38%)
Sometimes, the most basic items are the hardest to afford or access. Body wash is a simple need, but it’s also deeply personal.
It’s about cleanliness, confidence, and feeling human.
3) Pens and Stationery
484 requests (33%)
Again, it goes back to communication.
Writing is still one of the most powerful ways people stay connected, stay grounded, and stay mentally sharp.
4) Puzzle Books
473 requests (32%)
Puzzle books are more than entertainment.
They bring calm. They reduce boredom. They keep the brain engaged.
And for seniors who spend long hours alone, a puzzle book can be a surprisingly big comfort.
5) Comforters
417 requests (28%)
Warmth matters.
A comforter can mean better sleep, fewer chills, and that cozy feeling of being cared for.
And for someone spending the winter months indoors, it can make their space feel just a little more like home.
The Rest of the Top 10 Requests
The other items seniors asked for most included:
Blankets
Jogging suits
Hand and body lotion
Playing cards
Pajamas
And I love this list because it shows something important:
Seniors aren’t asking for luxury. They’re asking for comfort and normal life.
Something warm. Something useful. Something to pass the time. Something to help them feel well.
This Program Is Bigger Than the Numbers
Yes, the numbers are amazing. Yes, 1,485 seniors is worth celebrating.
But what I keep thinking about is the feeling behind it all.
Because somewhere in that 1,485…
There’s a woman who hasn’t gotten a gift in years. There’s a man who lost his spouse and doesn’t have close family nearby. There’s someone recovering from illness, trying to stay steady day by day. There’s someone who simply needed to be reminded they haven’t been forgotten.
That’s what this is about.
Thank You for Making This Possible
To every organization and partner who helped us identify recipients, thank you. To everyone who donated, supported, or spread the word, thank you. To every volunteer and helper who made the logistics happen, thank you.
And to the seniors in this program:
We see you. We honor you. And we’re grateful for you.
Here’s to 1,485 reasons to celebrate.
With gratitude,
Betsy
If you’d like to talk through what you’re noticing and what support could look like, the team at Karis Care Services is here to help. You don’t have to wait until something becomes a crisis to ask for care. Sometimes the best care begins with noticing the quiet signs early.
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