Home Instead Program Earns Mayoral Proclamation
Madison County and Jackson leaders recognized Home Instead's Be a Santa to a Senior program for its holiday gift drive for older adults.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Philanthropy
Madison County Mayor A.J. Massey and Jackson Mayor Scott Conger presented a mayoral proclamation to Home Instead's Be a Santa to a Senior program on Nov. 4 in Jackson. The program brings Christmas gifts to older adults across West Tennessee and has run for more than a decade.
Why it matters
The proclamation highlights a local effort that connects community sponsors with seniors who might otherwise go without holiday gifts. Public recognition from county and city leaders underscores the program's role in Jackson's charitable calendar.
Last year the program helped more than 120 seniors, and it has operated for more than a decade. The figures reflect the program's own reporting, and this year's participation totals have not been released.
The players
Home Instead
Home Instead is a home care provider for older adults that sponsors the Be a Santa to a Senior program.
A.J. Massey
A.J. Massey serves as Madison County Mayor and presented the proclamation recognizing the program.
Scott Conger
Scott Conger serves as Mayor of Jackson and co-presented the proclamation honoring the program.
The details
Sponsors select a senior's name and wish list from the Christmas tree at Home Instead, beginning Nov. 3, and can also shop the program's Amazon Wish List. Gifts are due back by Friday, Dec. 4 at the Home Instead location at 196 Cheyenne Drive.
Timeline
Nov. 3: Sponsor name and wish list selection opens at the Christmas tree.
Nov. 4: Mayoral proclamation presented at Home Instead.
Friday, Dec. 4: Gift return deadline.
Philanthropy Track
The proclamation places the Be a Santa to a Senior program within a long-running holiday tradition of corporate and local giving aimed specifically at older residents. Official recognition from county and city leaders signals that the program has become an established part of the region's seasonal charitable efforts.
Residents who want to take part can choose a senior's name and wish list from the Christmas tree at Home Instead starting Nov. 3, or shop the program's Amazon Wish List. Gifts must be returned by Friday, Dec. 4 to reach the seniors before the holidays.
The takeaway
Small, specific giving programs like this one rely on local sponsors who choose a single named senior, making participation direct and personal. Anyone interested in joining can start by visiting Home Instead before the Dec. 4 return deadline.
Further reading
Explore more local giving stories in Philanthropy to see how other groups support their communities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBBJ TV.
