Young Mustang's fan understands importance of putting smiles on the faces of the community. (submitted photo/Meadow Lake Mustangs Facebook Group)

By Nicole Reis

Seniors Santa

Seniors Santa is giving back to the community

Nov 14, 2019 | 3:33 PM

Seniors Secret Santa in Meadow Lake is looking for donations from the community.

The gift-giving program was created nearly seven years ago by the late Robert Schwartz. According to family friend Janice Handspiker, the plan was to put 10 gift bags together and drop them off to seniors in need at retirement communities in the area.

Handspiker said Schwartz and his wife once worked at the retirement lodge years ago and thought some seniors may appreciate a second thought at Christmas time.

The program has since expanded to offer nearly 300 Christmas gift bags to seniors in need in the community. Handspiker said some people in retirement communities live on a limited income, don’t have families or haven’t received a gift in years.

“In every bag we put personal care items like toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, body wash and a loofah, deodorant, socks, slippers, a throw blanket, and something fun like a puzzle book. The casino donates cards to us so we put those in too,” Handspiker said.

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“For some people it’s about the visit. For some it’s about the bag but getting a new toothbrush is not exactly on a senior’s budget,” she added.

“It was a way to let people know they were not forgotten. I am elated that it has inspired others to do the same, especially the kids. It is awesome to see that small children are mixing with seniors,” Dawn Schwartz said in an email to meadowlakeNOW.

Donations can be made at Madills and Multiworks. Janice can also be contacted at (306) 240-7474.

If you’re heading down to the Mustangs game this weekend, donations can be made at both Friday’s game at 7:30 p.m. and at Sunday’s game beginning at 2 p.m.