Jacinthe Jarrit is a no-nonsense senior citizen, who once served in the Marines. But that doesn't mean she doesn't enjoy the holiday season. JJ, as she is called, just likes to get practical gifts.

So when volunteers with a program called Be a Santa to a Senior comes around for the holidays, JJ's especially happy to see them. Be a Santa to a Senior collects, wraps and delivers gifts to lonely and needy seniors in Napa County.

JJ, 69, who lives on her own at Rohlffs Manor in Napa, says that many seniors don't need more trinkets or knickknacks.

"Things have changed," said JJ. "We want practical things, sensible for older people."

Items like legwarmers, nightgowns, socks, scarves or gift cards at grocery stores, she said. "Those things are extras for us. It's so wonderful to have practical things," she said.

Candy Smith, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in American Canyon is the local organizer of the nationwide event, in its third year in Napa. Teaming up with nonprofit agencies and area retailers the group of volunteers will reach out to 270 seniors this holiday season.

Locals can help out by visiting a local Longs Drug Store before Dec 4. Inside the drugstore, specially marked trees feature ornament tags with suggested items to donate, like a hat, blanket, socks, a mirror, a magnifying glass, slippers, pajamas or gift cards.

Holiday shoppers can then buy the suggested items and return them, unwrapped, to the store, along with the senior ornament.

Home Instead Senior Care enlists the volunteer help of its staff, senior-care business associates, nonprofit workers and others to collect, wrap and distribute the gifts to these seniors.

"It is a lot of work when we do it but when you knock on someone's door and they see you are holding gifts for them and you are going to sit and talk with them, people are just so grateful and many of these people," said Smith.

"The reality is they may not get visitors and Christmas has lost its glow. You lose your friends, it can be a time of solitude, it can get depressing. If you are not expecting anything, to have someone come and visit with you is absolutely amazing," said Smith.

"I hadn't had a real Christmas in a long time," said senior Daniel Flores, who doesn't have any family locally. So when a Be a Santa for a Senior volunteer delivered gift-wrapped packages last Christmas, "It made me happy. It brought out my Christmas sprit."

Flores said he received towels, a shirt, candy and a wallet. To his delight, inside was a $5 bill.

"I hadn't gotten something like that in years," he said of the gifts.

"I couldn't have had a better Christmas," said Flores. "It was just joyful. This program is all right."

The special delivery at this time of the year means a lot to JJ, who said she has "kith and kin" but no family. "I got a little excited. It made you feel kind of special. Everyone that delivered (the gifts) was so sweet." JJ said it made her feel, "Gee, I'm not forgotten."

Cynthia Ho, 61, said when she came to Napa two years ago from San Francisco she "had nothing and knew no one." Receiving gifts from the program really touched her. "I appreciate it. It was heartwarming," she said.

She also liked the gifts. "It was useful things. I just cry because someone actually thought about you. I don't have that from my family. The kindness from strangers makes it seem like Christmas."

Teresa Dickinson, pccupancy coordinator with Rohlffs Manor, said her residents are very appreciative of the program. "They are touched and surprised. It makes a difference for them. It's something to boost their spirits."

Home Instead Senior Care has teamed up with Volunteer Center of Napa Valley Senior Services Program, Meals on Wheels Program of Napa Valley, Rohlffs/Concordia Memorial Manor and Longs Drug Stores, to identify needy seniors in Napa County, then collect, wrap and donate gifts for the seniors. This year, the campaign will focus on isolated seniors, some of whom are among this nation's most forgotten citizens.

In 2006, 196,500 seniors across North America received 312,500 gifts through the nationwide program, in its fifth year.

A citywide gift-wrapping day is Dec. 5 at the Springs of Napa, and Dec. 12 at the Napa Senior Center. To volunteer, contact Candy Smith at 552-2266. Businesses are encouraged to contact Home Instead Senior Care about adopting groups of seniors.

"People in Napa have really embraced the program," said Smith. "They have been great. We hope the community will continue to support it."