Santa for Seniors gift program returns to Medicap Pharmacy

As the season of giving has commenced, Medicap Pharmacy hopes the community will show love to a generation that is sometimes overlooked. The Santa for Seniors program has collaborated with Newton Village this year to provide joy to residents.

Customers and local residents are invited to stop into the pharmacy, 400 First Ave. W., to choose an ornament from the Christmas tree. Each ornament contains the wishes of a local senior.

Tracy Adams, a pharmacy technician at Medicap, said they have more than 80 tags with the resident’s first name and a list of items. The wrapped presents and tags are due back to the pharmacy on Dec. 10.

“This is our first time doing this program with Newton Village,” Adams said. “We have done this with other facilities in Newton, and we really wanted to just focus on one facility this year.”

Michele Jansen, activities director of Newton Village, said the residents and staff were excited when Medicap Pharmacy reached out.

“When residents filled out their tags, a lot of common items were gift certificates to our beauty salon here,” Jansen said.

Jansen said some other items included gift cards to Perkins, McDonald’s and other local restaurants, baked goodies, puzzles and lotions.

“It was a very nice gesture for them to think of Newton Village residents,” Jansen said. “We do a lot for our kids during this time of year with the St. Nick’s program, and it’s nice we are thinking of the other generation.”

Jansen also said during Christmastime residents are given a tea time and they usually receive a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and they also have their regular Christmas Eve service in the chapel.

“We want to say a big thank you to Medicap for thinking of us,” Jansen said. “‘Sometimes we overlook our older folks.”

Medicap Pharmacy in Newton recently held an open house where the community met its new owner and directors from GRX Holdings.

Greg Johansen, the owner of GRX Holdings and new owner of the Newton location, was in attendance along with Cheri Schmit, director of clinical pharmacy and Gina Hale, marketing specialist.

“They had a good turnout, a chance to meet and greet the new owner and directors,” Emily Haney, GRX spokesperson said. “Johansen was able to share the history of GRX, and the first 25 people were given a free gift that was great. Medicap in Newton now has more refill prescription options so they were able to share that information as well.”

Contact Kayla Singletary at
641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or
ksingletary@newtondailynews.com