(FORT WORTH, Texas – Dec. 7,  2020) — For the fourth year in a row, and despite the hurdles caused by COVID-19, employees of Care N’ Care (HMO/PPO) Health Plan have come together to provide 25 local seniors with holiday care packages filled with gifts, essential supplies and food pantry items.

“For many seniors, the holidays can be a lonely time of year, especially for those who don’t have family or friends nearby or those who will miss traditional family gatherings this year because of COVID-19,” said Kelli Blackwelder, community engagement manager for Care N’ Care and organizer of the annual Senior Santa Program. “We are fortunate to have incredibly caring and generous employees who work to make a difference in the lives of seniors every day and especially during the holidays.”

This year, Care N’ Care “adopted” 25 seniors from the local Good N.E.W.S. program to be part of the Senior Santa Program. These seniors include some who might be alone for the holidays, those suffering from an extended illness, or a caregiver to a spouse or child with chronic conditions. Care N’ Care employees shop for and donate a gift to a designated senior; and these gifts are then added to a care package that also includes items such as puzzle books, toothbrushes, lip balms and snacks. Many Care N’ Care employees also volunteer to serve as one of “Santa’s elves” and help make contactless deliveries on Dec. 16, joined by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“Some of these seniors have no one to celebrate with or are in difficult situations,” said Blackwelder. “No matter your religion, holidays are about family, giving and bringing smiles to others. For me personally, giving a few hours of my time at Christmas makes my heart happy. The smiles, tears and looks of joy are worth all the effort.”

The Senior Santa Program is part of Care N’ Care’s “Care N’ Community” outreach initiative, which works with local community partners throughout the year to create an intergenerational support system that promotes well-being, empowerment and independence for safe and vibrant aging. Its programs differ from location to location depending on community needs and community partners, such as local senior centers, senior clubs, faith-based organizations and government agencies.

Care N’ Care is a Medicare Advantage health plan providing North Texas Medicare beneficiaries in Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Erath, Rockwall, Hood, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant and Wise counties affordable alternatives that improve and simplify Medicare coverage. With both PPO and HMO health plans, Care N’ Care offers all of the traditional benefits included in original Medicare plus additional benefits and services. For more information about Care N’ Care and its Medicare Advantage health plans, visit cnchealthplan.com.

Y0107_21_618_C

#     #     #