Donate thoughtful gifts for seniors
Toolbox
Published: November 9, 2009
The holiday season is fast approaching and today I'd like to ask for your help to make it a happier time for our elderly neighbors.
At Home Senior Care, in partnership with the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, is seeking small gifts to brighten a senior's day during the holidays. The project is called "Stockings for Seniors" and will take place in Rutland and Bennington counties. Last year was the second year for the effort, and hundreds of seniors received donated gifts, making the project very successful.
In Rutland County, collection boxes are at many community sites including Walmart in downtown Rutland, Godnick Adult Center on Deer Street in Rutland, Castleton Community Center on Main Street in Castleton, the Council on Aging offices in the East Ridge Professional Building on Route 4 in Rutland and at At Home Senior Care offices on Main Street in Rutland.
Mary Lou Morrissette, president of At Home Senior Care, suggests that items to be placed in the collection boxes could include gift cards for gas or groceries, department store items, holiday candy, holiday music, mittens and gloves, socks and hats, fleece throws, and pet items. These donations will be collected, sorted and wrapped by volunteers, and then placed in colorful holiday stockings for delivery to elderly clients of SVCOA who may need a bit of cheer. The AmeriCorps Neighbor to Neighbor members associated with SVCOA will assist case managers in the stocking delivery so that a friendly visit will accompany the gift.
Local businesses are encouraged to join in the project by accepting gifts from their employees and then dropping them off at one of the collection points. Those who would like to donate a gift, but can't get to a collection site may call Mary Lou at 747-3426, and she will arrange for a pickup.
This community public and private partnership can once again this year bring about a happier holiday season for seniors, and a rewarding opportunity for all of us to share during this giving season.
The Council on Aging and At Home Senior Care thank you, in advance, for helping with this holiday project.
Barbara Hanson is director of community resource development for the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging. For information about senior services, call the Senior Helpline at (800) 642-5119 or 786-5991 or visit www.svcoa.org.
Meals on Wheels
Today: Chicken and biscuit, boiled potatoes, green beans, Congo bar.
Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, cucumber and red onion salad, wheat bread, ambrosia.
Wednesday: Cream of potato and leek soup, crackers, chicken salad, lettuce and tomato, chocolate mousse.
Thursday: Beef roulades, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, wheat bread, brownie.
Friday: Italian chicken fingers, barbecue sauce, rice pilaf, baby carrots, pumpernickel bread, Mandarin oranges with cream.
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