HAMLET – As the holiday festivities continue throughout the month of December, senior citizens will be able to enjoy their own special day on Wednesday, December 13.
Hosted by Richmond County Aging Services. the annual Christmas party has been an ongoing event for seniors for the last 39 years. To be held at Cole Auditorium on the campus of Richmond Community College, the event is split in two parts. The first party will be held in the morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the second in the afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m.
Many of Richmond County seniors will participate in this anticipated day which is set aside just for them. The first hour of each party will be designated for the seniors to have time to mingle while enjoying festival booths and snacks.
A photo booth will be provided by Jackie McCauley. There will also be door prizes and live entertainment by Michael Martin and his group. The Richmond Senior Choir will also be there to share their holiday cheer in song. Many of the seniors will have their artwork on display at the event, too.
“United Way’s Michelle Parrish will be there doing her famous “Chicken Dance,” which we all look forward to joining in on,” said Ellerbe Senior Center Director Judy Tyndall.
Tyndall has been with the Ellerbe Senior Center for seven years. The much awaited “Chicken Dance” is one activity that recurs at each year’s event.
Richmond Senior High School JROTC helps pack the fruit bags for the party, and will also be there to help during the party. There will be a canned food drive for the seniors to participate in, which gives them a chance in a drawing to win a $50 gift card from Wal-Mart.
Some of the booths that will be set-up with information that day will be Hamlet Housing, Richmond Pines, Pruitt Health, Richmond County Hospice, and Community Hospice.
“There were 1,200 tickets to give out,” Tyndall noted. “And there are only have a few left for the afternoon party. There is no charge for the tickets, but you must have a ticket in order to participate.”
Richmond County Aging Services provide help throughout the year to seniors in the local area. Some of the services included are in-home aid, as well as delivered meals to those who are unable to leave their home. Senior centers also provide activities to those who desire companionship. The goal is not to just be a service provider, but to help enrich and enhance the quality of their lives.
The number of seniors served at the annual Christmas party is on the increase, with an estimated cost of $10,000. The only way to meet that budget is through donations.
Richmond County Aging Services asks for individuals, as well as local businesses to consider donating and help make Christmas special for local seniors. The services accept donations throughout the year.
For more information, contact executive director Jacqueline Welch, at 910-997-4491.
