Big Bend retailers and elder-care help agencies are teaming up to deliver gifts and companionship to senior citizens through the holidays.

The popular Be a Santa to a Senior program once again is collecting, wrapping and delivering gifts to seniors in Leon, Gadsden and Wakulla counties.

The program is an effort by Home Instead Senior Care, Super Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and non-profit agencies. Last year, it delivered about 3,500 gifts to area seniors.

Christmas trees with ornaments displaying first names of seniors needing companionship and their gift requests have gone up at Super Wal-Mart on Thomasville Road and Sam's Club on Dick Wilson Boulevard.

Holiday shoppers can pick up an ornament, buy items on the list and return them unwrapped to the store, along with the ornament attached.

Businesses are encouraged to sponsor groups of seniors. For more information, call (850) 297-1897.