VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – Portsmouth-based nonprofit SilverTree Seniors is living up to its mission of delivering joy to senior citizens during the holidays season.
On Tuesday, dozens of volunteers brought gifts to the senior residents at Luther Manor in Virginia Beach.
SilverTree co-founder Julie Ulrich says seniors are often forgotten, and developed the idea with a close friend about seven years ago during a time when they were both mourning the loss of their parents. The two turned their sadness into purpose and began serving the local senior community by delivering Christmas gifts.
Each senior fills out a their very own holiday wishlist, which is then passed on to adopters that purchase the gifts to help make their wish come true. Ulrich said most seniors are just hoping for everyday essentials that people often take for granted.
“We collaborate with community partners such as Meals on Wheels, Chesapeake service coordinators and activity directors in low-income senior communities and nursing homes,” Ulrich said. “Then they identify the seniors in need.”