Pictured, from left, Dina Cruz, Wendy Fredrychowski and Sierra Hale delivering items to residents at Mason Health & Rehabilitation Center.

WARSAW — The United Steelworkers Women of Steel at DePuy-Synthes organized a Santa for Seniors Drive earlier this month, “adopting” 10 seniors in need from a local nursing home.

WOS Co-Leader Wendy Fredrychowski came up with the idea for the holiday drive to assist seniors.

“We wanted to do something for Christmas to give back to the community and we tried to find something that not everyone would think of,” said WOS Co-Leader Megan Nichter, “There are all sorts of drives for kids and families for Christmas, but the seniors in the nursing homes can be forgotten. Many don’t have families nearby to celebrate Christmas with.”

This was the first year for the drive, which WOS members plan to make an annual event.

Nichter said WOS members contacted Mason’s Health & Rehabilitation Center in Warsaw and asked if any residents could benefit from this. The director gave them names of 10 residents who were in need of things such as toiletries, coats, sweaters, pants, blankets, socks, games and electronic razors.

The group collected donations and money from the USW members at DePuy Synthes and were able to help all 10 seniors.

The seniors were described as being very emotional when the items were delivered by WOS members, with many being brought to tears.

“I was told their faces lit up when they were given the items,” said Nichter.