OLDSMAR, Fla. — In Oldsmar, residents are "adopting" a senior for the holidays.

“I have a basket on my front porch and people have been coming day and night and dropping off gifts,” said co-organizer Rhonda Dunkley.

As part of the holiday initiative, residents receive the wish list of a nursing home resident in Oldsmar.

More than a thousand items have been collected.

“People were asking for basic things, body wash and lotion,” Dunkley said. “And I said if they want to throw in extras they could and a lot of people have.”

Nearly 400 seniors have been adopted for the holidays.

Organizers were overwhelmed by all the residents who wanted to help.

“It’s good for those receiving, but it’s good for those giving too,” said co-organizer Nicole Williger.

The event started four years ago as a way to spread happiness in nursing homes over the holidays.

But after the recent hurricanes, organizers said, there is an even bigger need to help the oldest of residents.

“I think morale has been down this holiday season for anybody. If you lost your home, your decorations, you lost a family member,” Wiliger said. “Morale is down.”

Organizers plan to start delivering presents to four nursing homes a little later this week. They hope it brings a little holiday joy to those who need it most.

To help, reach out through their community Facebook page.