OHIO — A few northwest Ohio businesses are once again teaming up to help senior citizens who may be isolated or alone this holiday season.

Jeff Barfield is especially busy this time of year helping people get their cars fixed, but it's his other job that swings into high gear come December.

Barfield is part of the "Be a Santa to a Senior" program, a nonprofit that makes sure senior citizens don't spend the holidays alone. 

"I've always looked at like, you know, these people raised us through thick and thin until we were 18 years old and, you know what, they have nobody to take care of them now. So I figured let's step up and join this program, you know, everybody does things for the kids, but we need to take care of where we came from," said Barfield. 

Barfield has been part of the Santa program for more than a decade. He joined after the passing of his mother.  

"When my sister took care of my mom for the time that my mom was ill, I realized what it takes to take care of somebody that is in their twilight years and it just makes you feel good that's it's in your heart," said Barfield.  

Here's how the program works: Gift tree locations can be found at local shops and restaurants in Lorain and Medina counties. Customers can choose an ornament that contains a senior's wish list. They fill the list and return the gifts to the same location with the ornament attached. 

"My guys and I get a kick out of seeing the enthusiasm from the people that come to take these ornaments and the buying of the gifts, but we are pleased about taking care of our senior citizens," said Barfield.