Meals on Wheels East Texas Kicks Off 15th Annual Santas for Seniors Holiday Gift Drive

November 9, 2026

Community invited to help bring Christmas cheer to nearly 2,000 homebound seniors across East Texas 

TYLER, TEXAS — For many homebound seniors across East Texas, the holidays can be a particularly  lonely time. But thanks to the generosity of the East Texas community, Meals on Wheels East Texas is  working to ensure that nearly 2,000 clients have a special gift to unwrap this Christmas.

Meals on Wheels East Texas is officially kicking off its annual Santas for Seniors holiday gift drive,  collecting new blankets, non-slip socks, and puzzle books or word search books for the seniors it serves.

For the past 14 years, individuals, churches, businesses, and community organizations have come  together to make this holiday tradition possible. This year, Meals on Wheels East Texas is once again  asking the community to help spread warmth, comfort, and joy to neighbors who may otherwise go  without a Christmas gift.

“Every year, our clients look forward to receiving a new blanket, a warm pair of socks, and a puzzle book,”  said Tiffany McPherson, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels East Texas. “These may seem like simple  gifts, but they mean so much more to the people receiving them. I’ve personally delivered gifts to clients  who have told me that this would be the only Christmas present they receive. Those moments remind us

that Santas for Seniors isn’t just about giving gifts. It’s about reminding our seniors that they are  remembered, valued, and loved.”

How the Community Can Help 

Meals on Wheels East Texas is inviting the community to participate in several ways: • Donate gifts: Purchase new blankets, non-slip socks, puzzle books, or word search books.

• Shop the Amazon Wish List: Select items from the organization’s online wish list and have them  shipped directly to Meals on Wheels East Texas.
• Drop off donations: Bring items to the main Meals on Wheels East Texas location in Tyler, any of  its delivery sites across East Texas, or participating community collection boxes. For a list please  see our website.
• Host a collection box: Local businesses, churches, and organizations are encouraged to serve as  collection sites, making it easy for employees, customers, and neighbors to contribute.
• Spread the word: Encourage friends, family, coworkers, and community groups to participate in  this meaningful holiday tradition.

Donations will be accepted through Friday, December 11, 2026. Volunteers will begin wrapping gifts in  early December, with deliveries scheduled for the week before Christmas.

“One of the things that makes East Texas so special is the way our community steps up to take care of  one another,” McPherson added. “For 14 years, our neighbors have made this program possible, and we  are incredibly grateful. Every blanket, every pair of socks, and every puzzle book represents someone  taking the time to say, ‘You matter.’ We hope our community will help us make this Christmas special for  every senior we serve.”

Businesses Invited to Host Collection Boxes

Meals on Wheels East Texas is currently seeking businesses and organizations willing to host Santas for  Seniors collection boxes. Hosting a box provides an easy opportunity for employees, customers, and  community members to give back during the holiday season.

Businesses interested in hosting a collection box or groups interested in organizing a gift drive are  encouraged to contact Meals on Wheels East Texas.

Donation Information 

Collection Deadline: December 11, 2026

Items Needed: New blankets, non-slip socks, puzzle books, and word search books Main Donation Location: Meals on Wheels East Texas, 3001 Robertson Rd. Tyler, Texas Phone: 903-593-7385

Website: www.mealsonwheelsetx.org

Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/0aB25l5I

About Meals on Wheels East Texas 

Meals on Wheels East Texas is dedicated to nourishing and enriching the lives of seniors and homebound  neighbors through nutritious meals, personal connections, and compassionate care. Serving  communities across East Texas, the organization relies on the generosity of volunteers, donors, and  community partners to help seniors maintain their independence and remain connected to their  communities.