HAMDEN, Conn. (AP) - Holiday cheer filled the halls decorated for the the annual festivities at Miller Senior Center Friday.
Volunteers from Quinnipiac University and the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Health and Wellness Council gave out presents to seniors at the holiday party that were collected throughout November for the Senior Gift Run.
Kim Vertrees, Health and Wellness Council member and leading event organizer, said they collected more items through the Gift Run than ever before in the nine years it has taken place.
The holiday luncheon sold out, with 100 guests each served a meal, given a gift bag of presents and a chance to win a raffle prize. The Hamden Miller Melodies singing group performed holiday jingles for the crowd.
Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Dudchik said the chamber organizes many events throughout the year, including other festive gatherings, but the holiday party is her favorite.
“This is the most heartwarming thing we do all year,” she said. “We’re making the senior population feel like they’re not forgotten around the holidays.”
Participating businesses and organizations collected monetary donations as well as non-perishable food and new items such as gloves, hats, scarfs, blankets, gift cards and toiletries to distribute at the holiday party.
This was the first year Quinnipiac University partnered with the chamber to host the event, which began as a partnership between the Hamden Senior Center and Quinnipiac’s former radio station WQUN.
Viola Piscatelli said the event is part of the holiday season that she looks forward to and attends it every year.
The holiday festivities weren’t complete without a visit from Santa Clause to give out the presents. Guy Tommasi, the managing director of Lifetime Care at Home, has been playing the role of Santa for nine years.
“The smile on their faces makes it all worth it,” he said. “When you see them smile, that’s what it’s all about - it’s infectious. That’s why I look forward to doing it every year.”
Catherine Pantera and her husband Vincent Pantera have been attending the event for many years now.
“It’s hard to say what I enjoy about the party because everything is so wonderful and well organized,” she said. “The gifts are beautiful, food is delicious and the company is always enjoyable.”
She said they know a lot of other seniors who attend the party because they’ve also been going for years now and Pantera said she always enjoys the gathering.
Attendee Ann Plano said goes every year and will as long as she’s around.
“I love the camaraderie ,” she said. “It’s a festive affair.”
Another attendee, Ginny Raccaro, said she always has a good time and attending has become somewhat of a holiday tradition.
Excess gifts collected in the Gift Run are donated to seniors who aren’t able to travel to the party from Davenport-Dunbar Residence, Partnership Adult Day Care and VNA Community Heath Care and Hospice, Vertrees said.
Event volunteers serving food and helping distribute presents were members of the Hamden Health and Wellness Council and Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce business members. They included Benchmark Senior Living, Elum Park, Meadow Mills, Whitney Rehabilitation and others.
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