SANFORD, Fla. — Seminole County seniors will wake up to a special Christmas surprise this year, thanks to the annual Adopt-A-Senior campaign organized by Meals on Wheels.

The beloved tradition ensures that hundreds of homebound seniors receive warm meals, heartfelt gifts and a dose of holiday joy.

What You Need To Know

  • Meals on Wheels will deliver 260 freshly prepared meals and gift packages to homebound seniors across Seminole County on Christmas morning

  • The campaign fosters connection and joy, with volunteers not only delivering food but also spending time socializing with seniors who often feel forgotten

  • All gifts were donated, showcasing the local community’s commitment to making the holidays special for vulnerable seniors

At the Meals on Wheels headquarters in Sanford, volunteers and staff have spent weeks preparing for the big day. With the help of over 150 volunteers, 260 meals and gift packages are ready to be delivered across the county on Christmas morning.

Michael McKee, executive director of Meals on Wheels, says this event is about much more than just providing meals.

“These people are homebound. Anytime our volunteers visit, it’s an event — they’re excited. They love the volunteers, and the volunteers love them. It’s more than just dropping off food; it’s about connection and community,” he said.

The deliveries include fresh-cooked meals featuring roast beef, kale, mashed potatoes, and more, along with beautifully wrapped gifts filled with donated items.

“Honestly, we don’t even know what’s in all of these packages — there’s just so much generosity,” McKee added.

Volunteers are set to begin their rounds at 8:30 a.m., spreading holiday cheer to every city in Seminole County.

McKee says the joy on the seniors’ faces makes the hard work worthwhile.

“You see tears in their eyes. For many, this is their only present. These are the people who often feel forgotten, but here in Seminole County, they’re not forgotten.”

For the seniors who open their doors on Christmas, the knock will bring more than just a meal or a gift — it will bring a reminder that they are cherished and remembered this holiday season.