DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Many shoppers are already getting a head start on buying Christmas gifts. If you're looking to grab an extra present off the shelf, Macon Resources would love for you to be a Secret Santa!

"It makes me feel all warm inside and makes me feel good. Like someone's out there that cares and appreciate us" says Elinore Gleeson, one of the eighty individuals with developmental disabilities at Macon Resources. 

Many of these individuals don't have loved ones to spend Christmas with, explains the President and CEO of Macon Resources, Amy Bliefnick. "We have about 50 people live in our group homes now. We have about 25 individuals who live independently. Many of them don't have families around, so it's really great when Secret Santa comes because the community gets so involved in it!"

MRI owns 9 group homes in Decatur, with 4-8 people in each home In addition to group homes, MRI provides support and services to people with disabilities living independently.

"They prepare their wish list with the things that they'd like to have for Christmas. Sometimes, just the smallest things can mean the most to them" says Amy. Just like when Elinore received a shirt with her favorite movie character! 

"Last year I got a long sleeve shirt with my favorite character, Oogie Boogie, and it meant a lot!" Elinore shares.

If you want to become a Santa, there are two ways you can help. You can purchase an unwrapped gift, or donate money for MRI to purchase the gift. 

"We ask for a $50 in some way with a minimum of two gifts. And we hope it's not too much of an ask, but I tell you, the appreciation and the joy brought to the people we serve is amazing" Amy says. 

The presents will all be opened on Christmas morning; a moment, Elinore shares, she holds onto forever. 

"They think, oh, they're disabled. We don't care about them. And that's not true. The community does care."

You can drop off unwrapped gifts at Macon Resources from now through the end of the day on December 6th. For more information, click here. 

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