It is not the sound of sleigh bells that senior citizens will hear so much this Christmas, but the ring of long-distance telephone lines, if management of Merrill Lynch has anything to say about it.
The program, which is unofficially called “Ringing in the Holidays,” makes reference to the 1948 movie It’s a Wonderful Life in which ringing bells symbolized an angel getting wings.
On Dec. 7, Secaucus seniors can join other senior citizens from around Hudson County to continue the tradition, which involves going to Merrill Lynch headquarters in Jersey City and making long-distance calls for free.
Karyn Urtnowski, Secaucus social services director, said the firm would like senior citizens to be the town’s guest in getting to Merrill Lynch. Transportation, snacks, gifts and a box lunch will be provided at no cost.
Although Merrill Lynch management plays down its role in this yearly activity, last year the company was awarded a “Daily Points of Light” Award for its Christmas Calls. The Daily Points of Light awards, started by U.S. President George Bush more than 10 years ago, are given each weekday to an individual or organization that improves the lives of others. The program was restarted in 1998 by the Points of Light Foundation, a nonprofit organization that encourages volunteerism.
“We’re honored to receive this prestigious award for Christmas Calls – an extraordinary tradition that has changed lives, and positively impacted families around the world,” said George Schieren, associate general counsel of Merrill Lynch, who is also chairman of the 23-year-old program, supported by Global Philanthropy. “It is wonderful to see Christmas Calls recognized for the joy that it brings to so many people.”
A statement with the award read, “What began as a single idea by a Merrill Lynch employee to put idle phones to good use during the holidays and is now a grassroots effort by thousands of employees and their families each year. Every year, thousands of people are revitalized in this healing, cross-generational community event, in which participants inspire one another with their remarkable stories, generosity and optimism.”
History of program
The program began as 23 years ago at New York World Headquarters, according to Elaine Weseley, one of eight Merrill Lynch employees who helped 100 seniors that first year. Then-company Chairman and CEO William A. Schreyer personally recruited volunteers after an employee suggested putting otherwise idle office telephones to use at holiday time.
Since then, Vice Chairman Stephen L. Hammerman, Executive Vice President Edward L. Goldberg, and Senior Vice President George A. Schieren have each served as chairman of this effort. Like the core of volunteers, each has given up a day of his holiday vacation to give a gift to others.
One day in December, senior citizens show up at participating Merrill Lynch offices – from London to Los Angeles, and Milan to Manchester – to make phone calls to friends and family members anywhere in the world. Merrill Lynch volunteers help to create a festive atmosphere that often includes dancing, singing, lunch and visits with dignitaries and celebrities.
If a senior is homebound, he or she may phone into a Merrill Lynch office and talk to their loved ones in a conference call. An annual outreach program that takes place before Christmas also provides elderly participants with lunch and phones to make free calls.
In 2000, more than 23,000 seniors participated in Christmas Calls, aided by hundreds of employees in 129 offices worldwide. Despite the Sept. 11 tragedy last year, the program was held at 75 offices worldwide, linking 21,000 senior citizen to their loved ones.
Urtnowski said the brokerage house is giving back to the seniors who haven’t talked with relations overseas for years or who may not have enough cash to call home, or who need help with translations or the technical aspects of making a phone call overseas. Urtnowski said the firm is not doing this for publicity, but as a service.
“We do this every year, and every year, more people participate,” Urtnowski said.
In previous years, the brokerage house had as many as 200 volunteers, including employees, their spouses, and kids. Volunteers placed the phone calls, delivered food, and even accompanied seniors on the buses that picked them up and dropped them off.
The first year the program was offered in Jersey City in the mid-1990s, only 150 people showed up from around the county. A year later, after word got out, 10 times as many people showed up. Since then, the numbers have increased every year. Secaucus usually has several dozen seniors participating.
Because of the county population’s diverse ethnicity, translators have been made available in past years. Santa Claus often pays seniors a visit, greeting them and giving out small gifts, while staff members take pictures and make sure the seniors get home again safely.
This year’s events include free refreshments, gifts and a box lunch. Transportation is also free with special arrangements available for homebound seniors.
To register, call the Secaucus Senior Center at (201) 330-2034.