Gifts for Seniors program brightens holiday season for Twin Cities seniors
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-12-12 16:14:26.767974-05:00
AARP Minnesota has found a new partner in Gifts for Seniors, a unique program that surprises isolated seniors with holiday gifts. In early November, staff members from AARP Minnesota helped the organization set-up for its 13th annual gift collection. Then, following an afternoon shopping spree, AARP donated the first gifts of the season to start loading up the empty shelves.
Gifts for Seniors is expecting a high level of participation from many other community organizations and individuals as the holiday's approach. Last year, the program brightened the days of over 4,000 seniors in the Twin Cities Metro area.
Nancy Manning, an AARP volunteer said "This is the only gift and friendly visit that many of these people will receive during the holiday season."
The organization hopes to surprise even more seniors with holiday gifts this year.
Gifts for Seniors was designed to reach out to "forgotten" seniors who do not have regular contact with family or friends. All of the gifts are brand new and can be donated between Thanksgiving and New Years Day. They are then delivered to seniors by volunteers.
Visiting nurses, meals-on-wheels programs, day centers and other social service agencies help to identify appropriate recipients and match each person with something they will enjoy. Popular gift items include linens, towels, blankets, winter outdoor gear, electronics, books, games and gift certificates. In the past, many individuals have "regifted" unused items that did not fit them or were a duplicate of something they already owned.
If you are interested in donating, there are over 60 donation sites in the Twin Cities, including AARP's Information Office at the Mall of America. Other ways to contribute to Gifts for Seniors include volunteering at collection sites, adopting a senior with specific needs or registering an isolated senior.
Items can also be mailed to:
Gifts for Seniors
1115 Hennepin Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55403-1705
Share
preview