Santas for Seniors Program Taking Off in Bridgeport as Organizers Seek Support to Help in City, Beyond
By Jeff Toquinto on November 21, 2025
There are plenty of great programs to provide for those who go without at Christmas. The Angel Tree program by the Salvation Army, Shop for Tots at Bridgeport High School and Shop with a Cop through the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office are among many wonderful efforts done locally.
It should be noted, and not in a bad way, each of those programs are aimed at providing children with as positive as a holiday experience as possible. Another group of individuals, as a pair of local women know, occasionally go without during the Christmas season as well.
Those individuals are our area senior citizens. And an effort is under way to make the holidays special for them as well.
A “Santa’s for Seniors” effort is in place and, although some seniors have been taken care of in the past, it is now an official program under
the guidance of Kelli Rhoades, who is the coordinator of the practical nursing program at United Technical Center. She is joined by Bridgeport educator Kellee Shuttleworth as the key organizers in this endeavor – and it has taken off with Rhoades’ built-in connections and both her and Shuttleworth’s good hearts.
the guidance of Kelli Rhoades, who is the coordinator of the practical nursing program at United Technical Center. She is joined by Bridgeport educator Kellee Shuttleworth as the key organizers in this endeavor – and it has taken off with Rhoades’ built-in connections and both her and Shuttleworth’s good hearts.
“I’ve been a nurse for over 30 years and spent time in senior care. I go to a lot of nursing homes in the area, and I’ve had friends reaching out telling me they knew I was in healthcare and nursing homes and they wanted to adopt a resident for Christmas,” said Rhoades. “That’s how it started. I had the connections and got ahold of the activities directors and inquired if a program would help. It turns out that they needed it.”
When Shuttleworth reached out, she talked about making it a project. And that project is going full speed at the hope of getting even bigger this year and into the future.
“After talking with Kellee, I reached out to an administrator at Bridgeport Healthcare about doing this. She said it would be fine. We put it out on social media with an email account, and it’s taken off more than we could imagine,” said Rhoades.
How far has it taken off? Late last week there were 45 seniors already adopted. The real issue? There are more that need to be adopted.
“We would be thrilled if all the seniors at nursing homes, many with no family or loved ones able to be with them at Christmas, would have gifts,” said Rhoades.
Most of the seniors, Rhoades said, are adopted at Bridgeport Healthcare. The same can be said about those at Maplewood. However, seniors at the two other facilities they are engaged with – Clarksburg Healthcare Center and River Oaks in Nutter Fort – still have seniors that need to addressed.
For those who want to get involved, you can ask all the questions you want at the email below. However, the gifts needed are basic. Rhoades said she has talked with activities departments at the facilities who have a lot of the same needs for those they care for.
Rhoades said items such as lounge clothes, sweat suits, a West Virginia University top or sweatshirt, tissues, lotions, small blankets or throws, socks that are non-skid are desirable, along with personal care items.
Once in contact with Rhoades and Shuttleworth, they will let you know clothes sizes of a senior – and items needed – by initial only. The actual resident you will be helping cannot be disclosed due to HIPPA rules. However, you will know if your senior is male or female.
Rhoades said she has been in awe of the individuals that have stepped up. She did say that some businesses, including a dental clinic, and some groups, just as the Bridgeport Middle School Juniorettes (who adopted 15 residents) have provided a substantial boost.
There is still plenty of time to get involved. The drop off will be Saturday, Dec. 13 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. More details on that are available via email below.
To take part, to ask questions, to donate, or learn more, interested donors can visit the Santa’s for Seniors Facebook page HERE. You can also contact them via their preferred email located at santasforseniorswv@yahoo.com.
