Quinnipiac University to Host Hamden Senior Holiday Gift Run

From Quinnipiac University: The spirit of giving will fill Hamden’s Miller Senior Center Dec. 9 as Quinnipiac University and the Hamden community are collaborating to make the holidays a little happier for senior citizens.

The seventh annual Hamden Senior Holiday Gift Run luncheon is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Dec. 9 at the Senior Center, 2901 Dixwell Avenue. The event is a collaboration between Quinnipiac's AM 1220 WQUN, the senior center, Apex Pharmacy, Bankwell Bank, Hindinger Farms and VNA Community Healthcare.

“It is very important for the seniors because many of them are isolated,” said Ray Andrewsen, general manager at WQUN. “We hear from senior services frequently that many seniors are choosing between food and fuel. It is heart wrenching when you think about how many of them really appreciate a small gift. It means a lot. It’s a neighborly thing to do. It’s neighbor to neighbor – that’s why we stared this seven years ago.”

Santa will hand out gifts bags packed with non-perishable food, coats, gloves, hats, scarfs, blankets, gift cards and toiletries that had been collected through donations at 15 Hamden locations, including the Hamden Public Library and the Chamber of Commerce, since Nov. 1.

On Dec. 1, Quinnipiac’s Susan Paulsen, secretary for transfer and part-time admissions, and Eleanor Cavallaro, admissions assistant, visited the radio station to drop off $280 in gift cards and six large bags full of items collected by their department, including handmade prayer shawls.

“Hamden has a huge senior population,” said Paulsen. “It’s important to give back.”

WQUN, will accept donations at its 3085 Whitney Ave. office through Dec. 6.

“There are more seniors in Hamden than any other municipality in the state, and the senior population is the highest forgotten population during the holidays,” said Maria Phillips, the radio station’s director of sales and marketing. For seven years, we’ve brought bring joy to the senior population. As we’ve continued to grow, the word has gotten out.”

Photo courtesy of Quinnipiac University