More Than a Gift: A Spokane Christmas Tradition That Brings Our Community Together

Founded in 2011, SANEWA has spent more than a decade connecting professionals and organizations dedicated to supporting Eastern Washington's senior population. Part of being a SANEWA member is taking action to make a difference in the lives of local seniors. Among our most anticipated service projects is the annual Christmas Wrap. Over the years, the program has grown into an incredible community undertaking, with past efforts reaching more than 800 seniors, particularly those living in Medicaid-supported or low-income communities.

What began as a simple effort to make sure seniors had something special to open on Christmas has become much more than a gift drive. It's a reminder that, regardless of someone's financial circumstances, health, or living situation, they are still an important part of the Spokane community.

A Gift That Fits Each Senior

Like many longstanding traditions, the Christmas Wrap has evolved over time. While the intention behind every gift has always been heartfelt, SANEWA recognized that even the most thoughtful presents aren't necessarily the right fit for everyone. A box of candy might find its way to someone with diabetes, or a book might be given to someone who is legally blind. These were gifts given with love, but they didn't always meet the individual needs of the person receiving them.

Last year, after listening to feedback, SANEWA made the decision to replace traditional presents with Walmart gift cards, giving each senior the freedom to choose something they truly wanted or needed. The change also creates an opportunity for residents to get together with friends, enjoy an outing, and pick out their own Christmas present. It's a simple experience many of us take for granted.

As with any change, there were lessons to be learned. While many appreciated the flexibility of gift cards, concerns remained about transportation and accessibility for some residents. Rather than overlook those challenges, SANEWA listened again and adjusted its approach for 2026.

Two Communities. A Personal Touch.

This Christmas, SANEWA is focusing its efforts on two Spokane senior communities, Lilac Plaza and Maplewood Gardens, both of which have warmly welcomed our Christmas tradition in years past. By choosing communities that offer transportation and concentrating our resources, we can make sure every senior at both locations is remembered this Christmas. This decision reflects the thoughtful feedback we've received from our members, and the SANEWA board is already exploring ways to address these challenges in the future. Our hope is to continue growing this tradition and spreading Christmas cheer to seniors throughout Spokane.

Spokane Comes Together for Christmas

Of course, delivering Christmas cheer throughout Spokane takes more than a few volunteers and a stack of gift cards. It takes a community, and fortunately, Spokane has a wonderful way of showing up when it matters.

This year, Spokane Party Bus is generously donating a bus to help with deliveries, while American Medical Response (AMR) is once again donating an ambulance (and a driver — thank you, Brandy Tarala!) to take part in the festivities, complete with SANEWA's very own Santa Claus, board member Vince McPhail. These partnerships are part of what makes the Christmas Wrap so memorable, bringing a little extra excitement and fun to the tradition.

And while the deliveries are certainly a highlight, some of the best moments happen long before Santa arrives.

Join Us Beyond the Wrapping Table

In place of our regular December meeting, SANEWA members gather to wrap presents, write Christmas cards, enjoy breakfast, dress up, and simply have a great time connecting over a shared goal. This year, we're also inviting members to join us for the Christmas deliveries and celebrate alongside the seniors at these communities. It's a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand where your time and efforts have gone and the difference they've made. We'd love to see a whole bunch of you out there with us!

At its heart, that's what makes the Christmas Wrap special. The gifts are important, but so are the handwritten messages, the familiar faces, the volunteers who give their time, and the knowledge that people throughout Spokane came together simply because they care.

As SANEWA prepares for this year's celebration, we're inviting both our members and the broader Spokane community to help carry that tradition forward. Local businesses, families, friends, and neighbors are all welcome to contribute, and every donation, regardless of size, helps provide Christmas gifts to seniors at Lilac Plaza and Maplewood Gardens.

Christmas has a way of reminding us that the smallest gestures can leave the greatest impressions. A thoughtful note, a friendly visit, or the freedom to pick out something special can mean more than we realize.

Because everyone deserves to feel remembered at Christmas.