REAL Services is dedicated to helping elderly and low-income people become and stay independent for life. If you or someone you love needs help, call REAL Services at 574-233-8205.
By: REAL Services + Home Comfort Experts
The holiday season is an important time of year for many people. But for those in our community who don’t have nearby friends or family, it can be isolating. REAL Services of Michiana’s popular Elves for Elders program seeks to connect seniors and disabled individuals with members of the community.
Last year, the program reached more than 400 individuals in need during the holiday season. This year, the nonprofit hopes to serve 1,000 seniors across Elkhart, La Porte, Kosciusko, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties in Indiana.
“These are people who may be in our Meals on Wheels program, our guardianship program, maybe they receive some of our care management services,” says Madelyn Martinec, the development director at REAL Services. “Many of these people may not have other friends or family members to give them a gift for the holidays — so, we take on that role.”
In order to keep gifts equitable among recipients, the nonprofit is asking for donations in the form of cash or gift cards to help brighten the holiday season for seniors or disabled persons. Any amount is appreciated. REAL Services will group gifts together to make sure each recipient receives a $50 gift card.
“Anyone in the community is welcome to donate a gift card,” Martinec says. “You’re welcome to donate through our website if you don’t have time to go pick up a gift card from the store. Or you can bring a gift card directly to our office.”
If you choose to purchase a gift card, it may be delivered to any of the nonprofit’s locations. It may also be mailed to REAL Services Inc., 1151 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601 ℅ ELVES for Elders.
Cash donations will also be accepted through the nonprofits’ website and may be made in any amount. Every dollar donated to this program will go directly toward making the holidays bright for an individual in need in our community.
