Meals on Wheels East Texas Kicks Off “Santas for Seniors” Gift Drive
Community Invited to Bring Holiday Cheer to 2,000 East Texas Seniors
Tyler, Texas – November 10, 2025 — Meals on Wheels East Texas is spreading holiday cheer once again with the kickoff of the 14th year of its Santas for Seniors program, beginning November 10. The community is invited to help brighten the holidays for local homebound seniors by donating blankets, non-slip socks, and puzzle books — small gifts that make a big difference for the 2,000 clients served across East Texas.
Donations will be accepted through December 10 at all 19 Meals on Wheels East Texas sites, as well as additional sponsored collection locations throughout the region. A full list of drop-off sites can be found at www.MealsOnWheelsETX.org.
For those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, gifts can also be purchased directly from the organization’s Amazon Wish List, allowing supporters to send gifts straight to Meals on Wheels East Texas for distribution.
Businesses, churches, schools, and civic groups are encouraged to sponsor a collection box to gather gifts within their organizations. Meals on Wheels East Texas will provide the collection boxes and materials needed.
“Many of our clients are shut-ins and have little or no family,” said Tiffany Damskov, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels East Texas. “I delivered a gift one year to a client, and she shared with me that it would be the only gift she would receive. This program reminds our seniors that their community still cares about them.”
Through Santas for Seniors, Meals on Wheels East Texas aims to deliver not only much-needed gifts but also joy, dignity, and connection to older adults who might otherwise feel forgotten during the holiday season.
How to Help:
Donate Gifts: Blankets, non-slip socks, and puzzle books accepted through Dec. 10.
Sponsor a Box: Request a collection box for your business, group, or church.
Shop Online: Visit the Amazon Wish List via www.MealsOnWheelsETX.org.
For more information, to request a collection box, or to view a list of drop-off locations, visit www.MealsOnWheelsETX.org or contact Meals on Wheels East Texas at 903-593-7385.
About Meals on Wheels East Texas:
Meals on Wheels East Texas nourishes the lives of homebound seniors and adults with disabilities across 7 counties through daily meal delivery, safety checks, and compassionate connections. With the support of community volunteers and donors, the organization serves over 2,000 clients each week — feeding both the body and the spirit.