Synergy HomeCare of Bellevue is sponsoring it’s first “Elder Elves” program to help create a brighter holiday for more seniors who are often the forgotten ones at this time of year.

The program encourages members of the community to support deserving or financially challenged seniors by remembering them with a small gift.

“We are so grateful for the community support we are receiving,” said Bill Merriman, owner of the Bellevue office of Synergy HomeCare. “While so many of us are rushing through our holiday preparations and checking our lists, enjoying the glitz and glitter of the holiday decorations, it humbles me to read the simple wishes on the ornaments … Dorothy, age 97 would like some perfume, hand lotion, towel set or a box of chocolates; Henry, age 90 wishes for dark socks, box of chocolates or a wool vest.”

To participate in the “Elder Elves” program, holiday shoppers can pick an ornament from the organization’s giving tree located in Bridle Trails Red Apple, 6635 132nd Avenue N.E., Kirkland, buy items on the list and return them unwrapped to the tree location along with the ornament attached by Dec. 21.

Members of the Synergy HomeCare Team will collect, wrap and deliver the gifts to an established Eastside assisted living community, the Gardens at Juanita Bay, serving many elderly on fixed incomes. When the residents return to their rooms after a Christmas Eve event, they will discover that Santa’s elves have been busy delivering their wishes and the community has remembered them during the holidays.