AARP Utah volunteers brightening the holidays for homebound seniors

SALT LAKE CITY — Seniors celebrating the holidays solo may find it tough to experience good tidings of joy.

That’s where holiday volunteers with AARP Utah, like Joann Christensen, come in.

“I came with my husband Dennis and my sister Jean and her husband Mike,” Christensen said.

She and AARP Utah are on a mission to make their holidays extra special. “We are signing Christmas cards,” she said.

These Santa’s helpers are writing Christmas cards for 400 Utah seniors who are homebound.

“Wishing them a happy holiday season. Letting them know that people are thinking about them and they’re not all alone,” said Christensen.

The cards will go inside gift baskets donated by people in the community as part of The Giving Tree Program.

A group effort

AARP Utah and Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services team up to offer this simple act of kindness.

“This was developed quite a while ago and between meals on wheels clients and a lot of our homebound seniors in our services,” said Jeremy Hart, the associate director of Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services.

Christine Sulser said she is grateful she can deliver some extra love.

“It’s a good opportunity to try to and help others.”

And she’s thankful to reap the benefits.

“I’m happy, giving, and fulfilled.”

Outside of the holidays, year-round opportunities with AARP Utah

There are opportunities year-round that volunteers can take advantage of to brighten people’s day.

“It’s only like an hour, two hours a month and everybody can do that,” said Sulser.

Utah Foster Care has more information about The Giving Tree program on its website