During Christmas week, with some help from the Brattleboro Rotary Club, Santa delivered a small gift to every resident of the area's nursing homes and residential care homes.
 
For years, the Brattleboro Rotary Club's Gifts for Seniors program has made sure that senior citizens living in Thompson House, Pine Heights at Brattleboro, Vernon Green, Hilltop House and Holton Home are not forgotten. According to program organizer Cindy Jerome, Brattleboro Rotary Club members donated over $1,000 just by passing the hat at several meetings. "They love this tradition of giving to our elder friends and neighbors, "Jerome said. Jerome called each care facility to ask for ideas of what their residents would like. "Polar fleece socks and lap robes, large print crossword puzzles and chocolate were all popular gift requests," she reported. Jerome continued, "Almost 300 gifts were purchased. Rotarians and other friends wrapped the gifts and delivered them in time for Christmas." Jerome emphasized that the Senior Gifts program could not be a success without the assistance of local merchants. She singled out the Baker's Hallmark store on Putney Road in Brattleboro. "They provided 134 bags of their premium chocolates so that all Meals on Wheels recipients and Gathering Place attendees would have a special treat for Christmas." Also, Howard Printing designed, printed and donated attractive gift tags.