FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Marcia Larkin, Elder Justice Center @ 272-6844

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HILLSBOROUGH ELDERS RECEIVE HOLIDAY CHEER FROM
THE ELVES FOR ELDERS PROGRAM

(TAMPA, FLORIDA - 12/23/04) – The Third Annual “Elves for Elders” Holiday Gift Drive was an overwhelming success, as a wealth of gifts poured into the Edgecomb Courthouse on Monday, December 13th, for the culmination of a month-long effort to help bring some holiday cheer to many individuals under public guardianship in our county.

This year’s generous contributions came from all over the Tampa Bay area. In addition to courthouse personnel, outside firms and organizations, local churches, schools and the community at large gave unselfishly to the wards of the court who have so little. Local media coverage helped generate additional interest this year, bringing more items than ever before. In addition to the specifically requested items that each “Elf” tag on the tree listed, over $7,000 in monetary contributions and gift cards was given. Special thanks goes out to the Xerox Corporation, who donated $2,000, as well as the Carrollwood Bar Association; Genders and Alvarez, P.A.; and de la Parte and Gilbert, P.A., each of whom donated $500.

A holiday party was hosted by Hill Law Group, Access Home Health and Waters CPA Group at the Edgecomb Courthouse on December 13th to honor this year’s contributors. Gifts, large and small, inundated the sixth-floor lobby area where the party was held. Contributions included simple necessities such as socks, sweaters and toiletries, to more elaborate items, such as television sets, radios and compact disc players. The generosity of the “elves” was truly an impressive sight to see.

Deliveries of the gifts began on Monday, December 20th, as Santa visited several facilities and was met with the heartwarming smiles of the wards. FOX 13 Television Reporter Deanna Lawrence followed the gift distribution as part of her “What’s Right with Tampa Bay” series. Judge Susan Sexton and her son also got into the spirit of giving, as more gift items were handed out during the week. It was obvious by the excitement in the air and the smiles on their faces that this was a special time for many of the wards who don’t have family to visit them or bring gifts during the holiday season.

The Elves for Elders program, pioneered by Judge Susan Sexton, is a collaborative effort between the Elder Justice Center and Aging Solutions. Many tireless hours are given by staff each year in preparation for this worthwhile event that brings holiday cheer to wards of the court in Hillsborough County.

For more information, please contact Marcia Larkin, Elder Justice Center, at (813) 272-6844.

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