MAYVILLE, NY – The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services (OFAS), together with dozens of generous partners and volunteers, is once again spreading holiday cheer through the annual Santa for Seniors campaign—an initiative that ensures isolated older adults throughout the county are remembered, celebrated, and supported during the holiday season.
This year’s effort will unfold through several weeks, culminating in a countywide delivery day:
- Package Organization Day: December 2
- Setup Day at First Baptist Church – Mayville: December 7
- Gift Bag Packing Day: December 9
- Countywide Delivery Day: December 11
Hundreds of donated items—including practical necessities, comforting treats, and thoughtfully packaged meals—will be sorted, packed, and personally delivered to seniors living alone or with limited support systems across Chautauqua County.
“Santa for Seniors is so much more than a holiday project—it’s about honoring those who have contributed so much to the fabric of our community,” said Dana Corwin, Director of the Office for Aging Services. “These visits provide joy, reassurance, and a moment of meaningful connection. Watching volunteers from all backgrounds work hand-in-hand each year is deeply inspiring.”
Longtime event organizer Debbie Perry, who has helped lead Santa for Seniors for many years, shared how meaningful the project has become.
“What keeps me coming back year after year are the stories — the smiles, the tears, and the heartfelt gratitude from the seniors we meet,” said Perry. “For some, this is the only visit they receive during the holiday season. To know that we can brighten even one day makes every ounce of work worthwhile.”
This year’s campaign is headquartered at First Baptist Church in Mayville, allowing volunteers and community groups to come together in an organized and welcoming space. Support is also made possible by dedicated partners, including the Rev. J. Paul Womack Christmas Basket Fund at Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church, along with numerous families, civic groups, businesses, churches, and county employees.
To give residents a look behind the scenes, OFAS encourages the public to view a short highlight video showing how Santa for Seniors comes together each year:
▶ Watch here:https://youtu.be/6R9odgNIYAI
Each carefully curated gift bag includes comfort items, hygiene supplies, seasonal treats, and a hand-packed meal. Volunteers—ranging from multigenerational families to service groups and public employees—will personally deliver the gifts to seniors throughout the county on December 11.
Corwin expressed her gratitude to everyone involved, saying “every donor, volunteer, driver, and supporter makes this possible. Your kindness directly touches a senior’s heart and reminds them that they are valued and remembered.”
How to Help: Community members interested in volunteering, donating, or referring a senior for next year are encouraged to contact OFAS for participation details. For more information, visit chqgov.com/office-aging or follow Office for Aging Services on Facebook.
About the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services: Under the leadership of Director Dana Corwin, the Office for Aging Services provides essential programs, resources, and supportive services that empower seniors, caregivers, and families to live safely, independently, and with dignity. To learn more, visit chqgov.com/office-aging.
