CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Christmas wishes are being fulfilled for more than 300 seniors living in Pickaway County nursing and long-term care facilities, thanks to the annual Red Cross Senior Giving Tree program.
The beloved holiday tradition ensures elderly residents—many of whom have limited family or resources—receive thoughtful gifts during the Christmas season. While many holiday charities focus on children, organizers say the Senior Giving Tree is just as important, bringing comfort, dignity, and joy to older adults who might otherwise go without.
The program’s concept is simple but powerful. Local businesses and organizations host decorated giving trees inside their locations. Each tree is adorned with tags listing a senior’s first name along with a Christmas wish list. Community members select a tag, purchase the requested items, and return the gifts to WesBanco Bank, which coordinates distribution to the county’s several nursing care facilities.
Requested items often include practical daily necessities such as lotion, socks, hair-care products, and toiletries. Many tags also include small comforts and hobbies, like crossword puzzles, books, or simple household appliances that help make daily life more enjoyable.
Volunteers—often described as Santa’s “local elves”—help deliver the gifts to the facilities, with Santa himself making appearances at some locations to personally hand out presents to residents.
The Senior Giving Tree program began nearly 20 years ago, started by a Red Cross volunteer who noticed a gap in holiday giving for nursing home residents. Since then, it has grown into a cherished Pickaway County tradition, with all donations staying local to directly benefit area seniors.
Organizers gave special recognition to WesBanco Bank in Circleville and Missi Rhodes, who coordinates the program each year. In addition to managing gift collection and delivery, Rhodes and her staff ensure no senior’s tag is left behind and often include extra gift bags filled with items collected throughout the year.
Businesses and organizations hosting Senior Giving Trees this season include:
- WesBanco Bank, Circleville
- Circleville and Ashville Apothecary
- Kingston National Bank, Circleville and South Bloomfield
- Ashville IGA
- Gibby’s Restaurant
- Pickaway County Library, Circleville
- Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center
- Trinity Lutheran Church
As gifts are delivered across the county, organizers say the smiles, gratitude, and emotional moments from seniors remind everyone involved why the tradition continues to thrive.
