Scottsdale's Adopt-A-Senior program is matching sponsors with homebound seniors for Thanksgiving groceries and holiday gifts, with the first drop-off deadline on Friday, Nov. 13.

The program, presented by Scottsdale Human Services and Scottsdale Community Partners, pairs community members with low-income seniors who may lack family contact, according to the city's program page. Sponsor applications opened Sept. 14. Sponsors commit to both the Thanksgiving and holiday portions.

For Thanksgiving, each sponsor buys a $50 Fry's grocery gift card for their assigned senior. That card is due by Nov. 13 at the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road.

For the holiday portion, sponsors receive a list of up to five items from their senior's personal wish list. Sponsors also provide a $50 Fry's gift card and a book of stamps. The average holiday sponsor spends between $150 and $200 on all items, according to the program page.

The holiday gift deadline varies by source. The program page lists a drop-off window of Dec. 3-5 at Granite Reef, while the FAQ page states gift bags are needed by Dec. 1.

Who qualifies as a recipient

Seniors in the program receive home-delivered meals, are homebound, have low income, lack family contact and/or are clients of City of Scottsdale social workers, according to the FAQ page. Residents who know someone who may qualify can complete an intake form at the front desk of Granite Reef or Via Linda Senior Center.

What seniors are asking for

The program's wish list includes blankets, pillows, non-skid slippers, books of forever stamps, heating pads, sheet sets, toiletries, pajamas and small kitchen appliances like toasters and crockpots.

The City of Scottsdale said on X on Wednesday, Oct. 28, that it would be sharing what seniors are hoping for through the program.

Other ways to help

Residents who cannot adopt a senior can still donate. The program accepts monetary and in-kind donations year-round, according to the city. Monetary, gift card and stamp donations are accepted through Dec. 23, the FAQ page states.

Donations are tax-deductible. They are processed through Concerned Citizens for Community Health, a 501(c)(3) organization, according to the FAQ page. Checks should be made payable to Scottsdale Community Partners and mailed to SCP, 7700 E. Roosevelt St., Scottsdale, AZ 85257.

Volunteers cannot help with deliveries. All aspects of the program, including delivery, are handled by City of Scottsdale social workers and staff due to client privacy restrictions, the FAQ page states.

To sign up as a sponsor, residents can visit the city's Adopt-A-Senior page and fill out the online form.