A center of giving for the holiday season

Lolita Harper

Their eyes light up when they see presents brimming from Santa’s

bag. With eager hearts they file in line, one by one, to see what

Kris Kringle has brought for them.

The youthful exuberance is still there but their aging hands take

a little longer to unravel the wrapping paper. Excitedly, they tear

off the paper to find a thoughtful gift from someone who cares.

This is the vision of Aviva Goelman, the executive director of the

Costa Mesa Senior Center, for all of “her seniors” this year. This

image in her mind is the motivation behind the first senior gift

drive.

Goelman admits she borrowed the idea from the popular Toys for

Tots gift drive. But she is unashamed.

“Everybody needs a gift,” Goelman said “They had the idea and we

are expanding on it.”

The senior center is looking for moderately priced, unwrapped

gifts that are not gender specific, Goelman said. Examples include

classic movies, stationery, puzzles, games and blankets. Each gift

will be wrapped and handed out at the center’s annual holiday party,

she said.

Mayor Linda Dixon, who also sits on the board for the Senior

Center, said she is thrilled seniors will get a piece of holiday

cheer. For most people, the holidays are a time for family, friends

and fun, but unfortunately many seniors find themselves alone, Dixon

said.

“Sometimes Christmas is not the most joyous time for them, “ Dixon

said. “The community is their family and it’s a wonderful thought for

people to contribute a small gift.”

Seniors are the community’s most valuable -- and underutilized --

assets, Dixon said, adding that she doesn’t feel they are given

enough recognition and thanks for what they have done.

“We do this because we love them,” Goelman said.

* LOLITA HARPER covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at lolita.harper@latimes.com.