About Secret Santas

In 2014, Kathleen Suryan and many longtime friends set a goal to brighten the faces of the Alameda Meals on Wheels (AMOW) recipients. After speaking with Rosemary Reilly, who was AMOW Director at the time, they learned that there were many seniors who did not have family members or friends to support them, especially during the holidays. The majority of these seniors also live below poverty level.

The first year, they “adopted” four AMOW seniors. What fun that was, and it was very well received. The following year there were 12 adopted seniors. In 2024, they adopted 60 seniors plus their grandchildren who live with them.

Their requests for these seniors are very modest. They need warm robes, clothing, slippers, underwear and toiletries. These necessities are considered luxury items for these seniors. Occasionally there’s a request for something really special like See’s candy or mixed nuts. We always make sure that they get gift cards to various grocery stores.

The adopt-a-senior program is incredibly rewarding and carries on throughout the year, providing grocery gift cards and other treats on Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and Easter.

In past years, the Secret Santas had a booth at the AMOW annual fundraiser at Rock Wall winery to help raise funds for the Secret Santa program. Since the COVID pandemic put a halt to that fundraiser, they now rely on donations from friends, family, and people who want to support the cause and the Alameda Meals on Wheels seniors. The Alameda Firefighters Union has been supporting the program since 2019. The response from the community in both Alameda and beyond is really wonderful.