Liberty to launch annual Christmas Elves program on Nov. 24

Joplin, Missouri – For 39 years, Liberty’s Christmas Elves program has helped ensure that older residents in Southwest Missouri have a happy holiday season.

This year, Liberty will once again partner with local agencies such as the Salvation Army, nursing homes, and assisted-living centers to identify residents age 65 or older who will celebrate the holidays alone. Participants provide basic information about themselves and what they’d like for Christmas. Liberty then invites its employees and the public to help fulfill their holiday wish lists.

Once the wish lists have been gathered, a table is set up in the lobby of Liberty’s main Joplin, Missouri, office. The public is encouraged to pick up a list and then shop for one of the local seniors.

“There are lots of programs that focus on the kids at Christmastime, as there should be,” says Nate Hackney, Liberty’s Manager-Customer Advocacy. “But the thing about Christmas is, we all want to feel like little kids.

“No one should be alone on Christmas, so this is an opportunity to let folks who might otherwise be alone for the holidays know that somebody out here is thinking of them. The Christmas Elves program is something we look forward to all year.”

How to participate:

To become a Christmas Elf, visit the Liberty office at 602 S. Joplin Ave., beginning Monday, Nov. 24, to select the name of one of our elderly neighbors, and help fill all or part of their wish list. Wrapped gifts should be returned to the office by Friday, Dec. 12, for delivery to the recipients.

Those who may not have time to shop but wish to contribute can donate by visiting the Elf Desk at the Liberty Joplin office at 602. S Joplin Ave. or mail donation funds to: ATTN: Christmas Elf, P.O. Box 127, Joplin, Missouri, 64802.