Golden Angel Program Brightens Holiday Season for Local Seniors
During the holidays, people are often in the giving spirit, opening their hearts and wallets with the hope of making the season a bit brighter for someone in need. For more than a decade, Palmetto Goodwill’s Golden Angel program has put the holiday focus on local senior citizens.
Why seniors?
Easily overlooked when it comes time to give, this population within our community often face challenges living on a fixed income. With the rising cost of food, affordable housing and overall cost of living, many struggle to make ends meet, often giving up basic necessities to pay for medications.
Which seniors does Goodwill help?
We work with the Department of Social Services, Adult Day Care facilities, Trident Area Agency on Aging and Senior Centers that serve low income seniors and Hospice providers to identify low income, disadvantaged seniors who do not have the monetary support of family and who may not be remembered during the holidays.
How is the program funded?
Along with donations from Goodwill staff members and our community, this yearly program is also made possible by the generosity of our wonderful Goodwill shoppers who donate to the cause by purchasing a $1 Golden Angel cutout in our stores. These small contributions at the check-out counter make a big impact and have helped us serve more than 9,000 local seniors through the years.
How does it help seniors?
The money raised is used to host holiday parties and provide small gifts that we take for granted but mean the world to these seniors who may be hungry, cold or lonely. The gifts have varied over the years but have included things like non-perishable food, hygiene products, books, puzzles, socks, hats, gloves and scarfs, and blankets.
Goodwill clothing vouchers provide an opportunity for a fun shopping outing to buy a warm winter coat or other needed items. This year, we are happy to provide Publix gift cards so that some favorite treats can be enjoyed for the holidays.
During several holiday parties hosted throughout the areas we serve, our staff serves a hot meal, hands out the gifts and sings carols. A simple afternoon of friendship and service bring smiles to the faces of so many. For some seniors without family nearby, this is the only visit they receive during this time of year and makes their spirits bright.
How can I help?
You can purchase a Golden Angel in any one of our stores and the funds will go directly toward this program. You can also make a donation here. If you are interested in getting involved in a bigger way, please contact Tina Marshall at [email protected].
