Lubbock Meals on Wheels is asking neighbors to adopt its homebound clients for Christmas through Senior Secret Santa. KCBD reported Tuesday that this is the program's seventh year, and that more than 900 clients have turned in wish lists. A flyer from the organization also describes 900-plus local seniors in this year's program.
The program is meant for clients who have little or no family to celebrate with, Lubbock Meals on Wheels said in its October 2026 newsletter.
How it works
Clients share a short list of things they would like for Christmas. Those wishes go on ornaments, and people in the community — including families, coworkers, businesses and other groups — can adopt one or more seniors and shop for them.
Common requests include socks, blankets, slippers, sweats, coats and personal care items, the newsletter says. Each wish list is designed to total about $50, and you're welcome to give more if you'd like.
Ornaments have been available since Thursday, Oct. 29, according to the newsletter, the organization's flyer and a Facebook post, and KCBD.
How to adopt a senior
Call 806-792-7971, or stop by the office at 2304 34th Street. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to the organization's website and a Facebook post. If you can't make it in, the newsletter says the office can get wish lists to you by phone.
When gifts are due
Lubbock Meals on Wheels has not posted a single public calendar deadline for returning Senior Secret Santa gifts. KCBD reported that gifts should be returned unwrapped by the deadline listed on the ornament. If you pick one up, check that date, or call the office and ask.
KCBD also reported that volunteers will package the gifts and deliver them Dec. 8 and 9. Those delivery dates are not listed in the October newsletter or on the organization's Senior Secret Santa page, so if you plan to help with delivery, call to confirm.
Other ways to help
You don't have to shop to take part. The newsletter says the organization needs volunteers to sort, package and deliver gifts; call 806-792-7971 and ask for Nicole or Janie.
It's also collecting new or gently used extra-large gift bags, about 16 by 19 inches or larger, to pack the deliveries. Holiday designs and plain bags both work; please skip bags made for birthdays, showers or other celebrations, the newsletter says. Drop them off at 2304 34th Street during office hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The newsletter thanks TXU Energy for helping keep Senior Secret Santa clients warm with blankets and other cozy gifts.
If you'd rather help with weekday meal routes, we previously explained how to volunteer as a Lubbock Meals on Wheels driver. You can also donate online.
If you go
- Where: Lubbock Meals on Wheels, 2304 34th Street, Lubbock, TX 79411
- Phone: 806-792-7971
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Web: lubbockmealsonwheels.org
Sources
- KCBD, Nov. 10, 2026: https://www.kcbd.com/2026/11/10/lubbock-meals-wheels-seeks-community-support-senior-secret-santa-program/
- Lubbock Meals on Wheels, News on Wheels, October 2026 (Vol. 47, No. 4), "Santa Could Use a Few More Elves": https://lubbockmealsonwheels.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/LMOW-Newsletter-October-2026_web.pdf
- Lubbock Meals on Wheels: Senior Secret Santa: https://lubbockmealsonwheels.org/events-fundraisers/be-a-santa-to-a-senior-sponsored-by-homeinstead/
- Lubbock Meals on Wheels: FAQs (office hours): https://lubbockmealsonwheels.org/faqs/
- Lubbock Meals on Wheels: Donate: https://lubbockmealsonwheels.org/donate-info/
- Lubbock Meals on Wheels flyer and Facebook post, provided by Jerry Rodriquez, Nov. 10, 2026
- Hub City UnCovered: https://hubcityuncovered.com/lubbock-meals-on-wheels-needs-drivers-heres-how-to-help/
