Christmas for the Elderly surpasses its goal

VALPARAISO | The Christmas for the Elderly program raised $45,297.50 to help people in the community this holiday season.

Ray could use some assistance

Ray would love to get a lift chair for the holidays through the Christmas for the Elderly program.

Lifeline helps Sandra feel safe, secure

PORTAGE | Knowing she can get help at the push of a button, Sandra, 71, feels safe in her home.

Christmas for the Elderly: Woman hopes to be home after the holidays

VALPARAISO | Karen is getting ready to head back to the hospital. She will be spending the Christmas holiday in the hospital as she undergoes artificial stem cell replacement in her foot and leg.

Hoping to get better and help others

VALPARAISO | Jeffrey hopes to regain his strength and one day volunteer again.

Staying positive helps Ernest

WHEATFIELD | Ernest, 82, loves to smile and is happy-go-lucky but he can still use some assistance with a shower chair and a walker with wheels.

Making life easier for Daniel

PORTAGE | Daniel doesn't get around like he used to.

One step at a time

Brenda would love to have a lift chair through the Christmas for the Elderly program.

One step at a time: Visiting Nurse Association collecting money for Christmas for the Elderly program

VALPARAISO | Courage. Brenda has a lot of that to get through her daily routine.

Annual Christmas for the Elderly program kicks off this holiday season

SOUTH HAVEN | Don, 87, would not be able to live alone without help from the Christmas for the Elderly program. He received help a couple of years ago including a lift chair, Lifeline and a companion homemaker.

Ramped up: Constructing a home ramp becoming easier with know-how, kits and support

Lesly Bailey, marketing consultant for Porter County Aging and Community Services, says after the installation of a ramp at the home of Judy Hood, the Valparaiso woman is appreciative and thankful for the help she has received as she adjusts to life as an amputee.

Christmas for the Elderly donations continue

VALPARAISO | The Christmas for the Elderly program has already brought in more than $36,000 in donations for the annual program.

Improving sight will help keep independence

CHESTERTON | At 81, Carolyn wants to continue making her own decisions.

Improving sight will help keep independence

Carolyn hopes to get an eye exam and a new pair of glasses through the Christmas for the elderly program.

Lifeline service provides a sense of security

PORTAGE | With her Lifeline pendant around her neck, Patricia said she knows help is always just a click away, but that wasn't always the case.

Polly regaining independence after ministroke

PORTAGE TOWNSHIP | After suffering a ministroke and battling a kidney ailment last year, Polly is bouncing back.

After falling, Lee looks to regain independence

CHESTERTON | One morning, two years ago, Lee's day quickly turned into a nightmare when her hip popped out and she fell on the floor of her Chesterton home.

After years of labor, James left with crippling arthritis

PORTAGE TOWNSHIP | For years, James did strenuous labor, working for a Harvey, Ill.-based railroad equipment manufacturer.

Christmas for the Elderly campaign provides hope to seniors in need

VALPARAISO | With hundreds of the local senior citizens in need this holiday season, the Porter County Visiting Nurse Association is hoping to better last year's near-record amount raised through the Christmas for the Elderly program.