While the trees outside are ablaze with colors and pumpkins and mums are the decor du jour, it’s a bit of a stretch for some to begin thinking about the holiday season, but the staff and volunteers at Home Instead in Gorham are doing just that.

As we approach the season of giving, Home Instead will once again be calling on the residents of Cumberland County to help brighten the holidays for older adults who may be feeling isolated or alone. Through the much-loved Be a Santa to a Senior program, local community members can help spread joy by giving a special holiday gift to older people who might otherwise go without. The Be a Santa to a Senior program has been successfully coordinated through the Gorham office of Home Instead for more than 15 years. It is truly a grassroots undertaking with support from local businesses, non-profit organizations, retailers, and volunteers.

Community members can participate by visiting one of the many Be a Santa to a Senior trees located at cooperating locations around the area. Each tree will be decorated with ornaments crafted by local Girl Scout troops and tags bearing the name and gift wishes of an older adult. 

Shoppers can choose a tag, purchase the desired gifts, and return them unwrapped in a gift bag with the tag attached. Gift givers are welcome to keep the hand-made ornament as a thank you. Volunteers will collect the gift bags and deliver them to Home Instead where other community volunteers will check the bags and wrap the gifts. Approximately 750 older adults will be on the receiving end of several thousand gifts, but more importantly, they will enjoy the warmth of knowing that they are not forgotten.

If you are interested in participating in Be a Santa to a Senior this year, keep an eye out for the festive trees. They will be up the first week of November and tags will be available until they run out. For more information, please contact Kathy Damon at Home Instead (839-0441).

2025 Public Tree Locations

• 390 Main Street Restaurant and Tavern – 390 Main St in Gorham
• Blue Seal Feeds – 43 Main St in Windham
• Bridgton Community Center – 15 Depot St in Bridgton
• Chute’s Family Restaurant – 686 Roosevelt Trail in Windham
• Home Instead – 502 Main St in Gorham
• Sebago Brewery & Tasting Room – 616 Main St in Gorham
• Sebago BrewPub – 29 Elm St in Gorham
• The Black Horse Tavern – 26 Portland Road in Bridgton
• The Blue Pig Diner – 19 State St in Gorham