Ben Pifher/MDN Harleigh Port stands with an almost undecorated Christmas tree at The Minot Home Instead in the Town & Country Center. A lone ornament hangs from the tree as a sign of a successful program, giving to those in need.

There was a single ornament hanging from a Christmas tree in the waiting room at Minot Home Instead on Monday. The tree, when fully decorated, had about 50 ornaments hanging from its branches, each with a list on the back of wants or needs of a senior or disabled community member as part of a program called Be a Santa to a Senior.

Families, individuals or organizations could retrieve the ornaments, purchase the items on it, then return the purchased items, wrapped or unwrapped.

“Next year, hopefully we can expand, putting trees in stores, and reach more seniors in the community,” said Harleigh Port, an employee of the business. She was surprised at how quickly the ornaments had disappeared. Just last week, she was merely trying to spread awareness about the program.

Port said the employees started the program this year by nominating those they knew who had a need this holiday season.

There is still time for someone to pluck that final ornament from the tree. Santa’s helpers have until Dec. 13 to purchase items for Be a Santa to a Senior and return them to Minot Home Instead.