New Chesapeake Based Non-Profit, SilverTree Seniors, Launches with Christmas in July - A Drive to Benefit Seniors in Need

Chesapeake, VA, June 25, 2019 --(PR.com)-- A new non-profit, SilverTree Seniors, is set to launch their first initiative in Hampton Roads with a “Christmas in July” donation drive to benefit local Seniors in need.

“After working closely with Seniors, we often hear they feel they are forgotten. We’ve come across far too many that are isolated and live alone and/or are on fixed incomes and do not have the money to buy necessities, let alone items that could bring them joy. It is our mission to let as many Seniors as possible know they are not forgotten” said Julie Ulrich, one of the founders of SilverTree Seniors.

The inaugural drive, “Christmas in July,” runs July 1-15. SilverTree Seniors is asking for items most commonly requested by Seniors, to include; socks, blankets, pillows, toiletries, oral hygiene products, puzzle books, adult coloring books, playing cards and games. There will be donation boxes placed at many local businesses, including MyStorage (two Chesapeake locations), Windy City Pizza (Chesapeake & VB), Lawrence Pharmacy, Walmart Neighborhood Market (Kempsville/GreenTree), 8 YMCA locations, among other businesses and churches. The complete list of public drop-off locations is listed on SilverTree Seniors’ website at www.silvertreeseniors.org. Gift cards to stores such as Target, Walmart, and grocery stores are also popular and can be mailed to: SilverTree Seniors PO Box 16517 Chesapeake, VA 23328.

The “Christmas in July” kickoff will take place with a fundraiser at both Windy City Pizza locations on Monday, July 1, 2019. Dine at Windy City between 11am-8:30pm, let them know you’re there to support SilverTree Seniors, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the nonprofit. The Chesapeake location will have a celebrity guest, Santa Claus, on-site from 6-8pm.

The organization was founded after Ulrich and a group of friends adopted nine Seniors last holiday season. The group bought, wrapped and delivered gifts, along with Santa himself, spreading joy beyond their expectations. Ulrich says, “The impact was so huge, we immediately agreed we needed to formalize in order to do something on a much larger scale, reaching more Seniors in need.” The group applied for and was granted IRS 501(c)(3) status earlier this year.

SilverTree Seniors will work closely with community human service agencies and nonprofit organizations to assist with identifying and delivering the gifts to seniors in need. Ulrich says, “The feedback and response we’ve received from our Hampton Roads community so far has been beyond heartwarming. We know that together we are going to be able to really make a difference in the lives of our precious Seniors. Our goal is to not just provide gifts during the holiday season, but throughout the year.”