The Filipino American Community Health Initiative of Chicago in collaboration with the Filipino American Network brought Christmas cheer to Filipino seniors living in the Chicago area with the Parol Senior Gift Basket Program.  With the help of over 30 volunteers, FACHIC and FAN posted flyers in the neighborhood, sent out Christmas cards, called seniors to check on their well-being and, for those in need, visited and delivered gift baskets of necessity items to seniors around the holidays.

Starting in September 2009, volunteers posted flyers in and around Filipino and Filipino American businesses and churches in the Chicago area.  In October and November 2009, outreach visits were made to senior organizations informing them about FACHIC and encouraging them to consider it as a resource to help them continue to live more safely and independently.  Through self referral as well as referrals from other community organizations, seniors were interviewed by FACHIC staff using an assessment tool to identify those who -- in terms of income level, social isolation, and physical limitations -- were in greater need for support through a volunteer visit and Senior Gift Basket or follow up from a social worker. 

In December, volunteers hand signed and decorated Christmas cards to all seniors who expressed interest in FACHIC and Parol.  The Christmas cards were sent out with contact information about FACHIC in addition to general and Chicago Department on Aging information and resources on cold weather safety.  One week before Christmas, volunteers assembled and delivered over 60 Parol Senior Gift Baskets to seniors who were identified to be of greater need.  The baskets consisted of necessity items including shampoo, gloves, socks, juice and rice.