As we head into the holiday season, we remember good times from previous years that warm our hearts – gatherings of family and friends, delicious meals, laughter, and honored traditions. The COVID-19 pandemic is going to make our holidays different than before as we find creative ways to be together – virtually or in person – while ensuring that our family members and friends are safe from infection. In the end, it is the people who make our holidays special, not just the rituals. But what if you are a senior in poor health, living alone without any family or supports?

This holiday season will be a time of struggle for many, especially the elderly who live alone, with few financial resources. Stanley, for example, is an older adult in our area who was recently diagnosed with cancer. He immediately had to stop working his low-wage job in order to have surgery, followed by chemotherapy. Stanley was very depressed and feeling hopeless about his life, having no family or other supports. He was also in debt because wages were not coming in and his savings had been spent on the cancer treatment.

JABA’s options counselor connected Stanley to community partners that helped him catch up on back rent and utility bills. The counselor also started him on home delivered meals, as he was too weak from chemo to prepare them himself. He is even considering joining JABA’s virtual Community Senior Center activities when he is feeling stronger. Today, Stanley is beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, stating, “I don’t know what I would have done without you all.”

There are many older adults like Stanley who contact JABA for assistance when they are at very low points in their lives and do not have the resources or energy to pick themselves up. JABA is fielding a record number of requests for assistance from seniors during these trying times. The only thing that many of them need is a helping hand through a rough patch. Can you be that helping hand right now by making a generous gift in support of JABA’s clients during this holiday season? You can make the difference between hope and despair in the lives of our elderly neighbors in need.

The holidays are times of both light and darkness. We often remember loved ones who are no longer with us. Sometimes we are alone or feel disconnected from activities around us. But, this season – in the midst of this deadly pandemic – we all need to shine a light on each other. How we gather together may be different this season, but we can all do our best to bring love, hope and warmth to others – those we know and those we do not. Your generous gift to JABA right now is one way you can express your compassion towards older neighbors in need. It is so easy. Go to JABA's website to donate securely online.

Please accept my deepest thanks for everything you can do – or have already done – in support of the seniors JABA serves. You make it possible for us to do this work. Stay safe during the holiday season, as you bring a little more love and light into our community.

With best wishes,

Marta M. Keane
Chief Executive Officer

P.S. For tax year 2020, you may deduct up to $300 in qualified charitable cash contributions if you do not itemize deductions. Please go to www.irs.gov for more information about this change in the tax code. It has never been a better time to give to JABA!