‘Snowflakes for Seniors’ gets underway

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Tracy’s Country Flea Market kicked off its first annual “Snowflakes for Seniors” Christmas project with a blessing by Pastor Tommy Sandefer of Van Wert Victory Church and the lighting of the tree by Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer.

Gene Tracy, owner of the flea market, along with his wife, Melissa, wanted to do something for Christmas for the elderly, who are many times overlooked at this time of year, so it was decided that they, along with vendors at the flea market, would “adopt” individuals from a local nursing home who would not be having Christmas with family or friends this year.

Snowflakes were numbered, rather than named, and a wish list placed on each snowflake on the tree. Those wanting to pick a snowflake from the tree and be a “Secret Santa” are welcome to stop in and provide their name. After shopping for the individual they choose, participants should bring the gifts to the flea market by December 16 and the Tracys will see they are delivered to the nursing home in time for Christmas.

The Tracys want this to be an annual event and welcome area residents’ participation in the project. Stop at Tracy’s Country Flea Market and see the tree and pick up a snowflake and start Christmas shopping at the same time.