Smiths Falls Councillor Dawn Quinn says her long-running holiday project is once again preparing hundreds of gift bags for seniors who may be spending Christmas alone.
Quinn has led Christmas for Lonely Seniors for 15 years, working with a small team and dozens of volunteers who help decorate, pack and deliver the parcels.
The bags start as plain brown paper, but local schoolchildren transform them with hand-drawn artwork before volunteers add personal-care items, warm clothing, treats and activity books. Quinn says each parcel is designed to bring comfort and connection to seniors living alone, in retirement homes or care facilities.
Quinn expects to deliver about 500 parcels this year, though the need remains much higher. She hopes more communities will adopt similar projects.
Quinn can be reached at 613-284-2664 and donations can be dropped off at her salon at 7 Russell Street West.