Every year, the MAC Center helps make the holidays a little brighter for the senior citizen population through their Adopt a Grandparent program. This year, more than 300 seniors will receive gifts through the generosity of the community, said Valerie Wagner, MAC’s project director for the program, and that’s about 50 more than last year.

MAC, which stands for Maintaining Active Citizens, provides programs and services for seniors throughout Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester counties and is one of the five oldest area agencies on aging in the United States. Any of the programs from MAC can turn in names of clients who are in need, and then the first name and a small wish list are handed out to anyone from the community who wants to “adopt a grandparent” for Christmas. That project is winding down, with the rest of the gifts coming in this week, but Wagner said there was a special need this year.

Sometimes MAC needs additional gifts in case some didn’t come in on time, or sometimes they receive more names of seniors after all the names have been distributed, so it’s helpful for them to receive a few extra generic gifts. But a particular need this year is for things that seniors on fixed incomes or food stamps might not be able to afford, such as toiletries and cleaning supplies. Those might not be the typical gift items for a Christmas bag but they are basic necessities that everyone could use. This is where Shop Local Delmarva comes in. It’s thanks to your generosity - our supporters, sponsors and partners of Shop Local Delmarva - that funds are available to be used for good in the community when the need arises.  And when you, the readers of Shop Local, support businesses who support SLD, you are helping the community.

After talking with Wagner and sharing information with SLD founder David Galeone who embraced the idea right away, I went shopping to put together 25 bags. I spent a fun Sunday afternoon picking out things to include, such as shampoo, dish soap, toothpaste, large print activity books, hand soap and holiday paper plates and napkins. 

On a personal note, I have lost both my parents, and participating in senior gift programs brings me so much joy. I miss buying gifts for my mom and dad and this is a way for me to honor their memory.  Honoring the older members of our community is important; imagine if we could involve young people to participate in efforts like this. It could go a long way in helping teach respect for the older generation and for those who might not have family taking care of them.

Gifts and items are being collected through the end of the week at the MAC Center on Snow Hill Road. It’s located in the back, behind the Holly Center. If you are able, contribute anything from the list below and drop it off at MAC by Friday.  Gifts will be delivered next week. Some seniors open them right away while others like to wait until Christmas Day, Wagner said. For some, this might be their only gift. Gift cards to Walmart and Food Lion are also appreciated, she said.

If you need more information, contact, Valerie Wagner, 410-742-0505, ext. 122.

Happy Holidays!