WATCH: Cochrane Elves deliver over 1,100 gifts to seniors

Cochrane's generous Christmas spirit never ceases to amaze the organizers of the Cochrane Elves for Seniors.

Yesterday, over 1,100 gifts were delivered by the Elves to local senior lodges and some who live independently. Others were delivered to Seniors on the Bow, FCSS and Mini Thni.

"This year was fantastic," says Cheryl DeMaere Ellis, who has coordinated the event for several years along with Heather Williams. "We've had donations from Cochrane Home Treasures ($1,725), we've had lots of donations by private residents and as you see, all the gifts, absolutely heart-wrenching. Cochrane residents love their seniors.'

She also thanks the crew at Cochrane Toyota for accepting and sorting the presents in their showroom.

Heather Williams helps organize the event and comes from Red Deer annually for the delivery. She continues to be moved by the generosity of Cochrane area residents and their love and care for their seniors.

"We never have to worry about getting enough gifts here. The generosity of Cochrane residents is never in doubt. It's just an amazing community," she says.

This year her son, Matthew Wolfe came to assist, and is also their social media coordinator.

It's the third year Karla McLearn, a lifelong Cochranite, has helped. It's something she looks forward to every year.

"This year, I got a little bit more involved which was great. My kids are a little bit older, and I absolutely love it. This is a wonderful organization."

She believes it's become something the seniors have come to look forward to at Christmas. Some have families visiting but many are left on their own, making the gifts especially appreciated.

Even the eyes of the few seniors they met were wide-eyed and glowing when they saw the gifts arrive.

"We sure hope they enjoy the gifts, because that's the goal. Everyone deserves it."

Audrey, a 91-year-old senior at one of the local lodges, is Cheryl's mom. She says many don't know where the gifts come from and are pleasantly surprised to find them outside their door on Christmas Day.

"For sure, everybody's happy, and a lot of people don't have anyone."

Previous, the Christmas giving was under the umbrella of the Communities of Alberta Networking for Seniors Assoc. It involves many of the same people, including DeMaere and Williams, but is now a separate organization focused strictly on the Cochrane area.

WATCH: To our seniors, with love

News of the annual Christmas giving travelled far and wide, including the North Pole. Santa was so inspired that he flew in to help spread Christmas joy.

DeMaere Ellis says they'll be back next year and in the meantime will be doing a fundraising bottle drive sometime in the New Year.

You can keep up-to-date with Cochrane Elves for Seniors here.

In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, CochraneNow encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CochraneNow app.