Christmas is for children, but let's not forget our seniors, too

by Kim Riggs

I want to thank everyone who showed up for the open house of the Carson City School District's Children in Transition Clothes Closet and brought many needed items.

I wanted to especially thank all the women from the First United Methodist Church. They reminded me that not only should we remember our children, but the elderly as well.

It's easy for me to ask you to donate a Barbie this Christmas to a little girl in need. But also remember there are many older adults who could use a good meal or a nice pair of warm pajamas.

Shirley Whitcome and Sandie Hartman publish a book called "Community Resource Guide for Older Adults in Carson City" through First United Methodist. Each year they research many local and state agencies that offer services to the elderly. There are still copies left of the 36-page free resource.

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I also received a great e-mail from Gwen Currie at the Fountainhead Associates concerning a group of local business people, high school students and other volunteers who began a wonderful holiday tradition five years ago.

In addition to visiting seniors, they provide them with a visit from Santa Claus and his helpers. Presents include gift certificates and of other small goodies along with a photo of them with Santa.

"The cheer this brings to many who are very alone during the holidays is priceless," Gwen said. She is asking for donations, none of which are too small.

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A big thank you to Albertsons, Safeway, Scolari's and Smith's for donating more than 21 boxes of assorted fruit to the Thanksgiving Fruit Basket Program.

The program started with June James and her sons Matt and Andrew. The program has provided 1,825 fruit baskets since Matt started it with a few of his friends, mom and me.

This year, Randy Roser of Mountain Aire Heating and Air Conditioning will have his soccer team help assemble the fruit baskets for families.

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Alan Dorway, youth pastor at First Presbyterian Church, and his wife, Elizabeth, are spearheading a program to discuss hunger and homelessness in the community. Anyone interested is welcome to participate.

OUT & ABOUT

What: Project Eldercare Program, 36-page booklet

Where: First Untied Methodist Church, Musser and Division streets

Call: Shirley Whitcome or Sandie Hartman at 882-1436

What: Friends to All and RSVP Homebound Senior Holiday Visits

When: Dec. 4 and 11

Call: Gwen Currie at 884-0180 or Jed Block at 720-7313

What: Thanksgiving fruit baskets assembly

When: 3:30 p.m. today until they are done

Where: Juvenile Probation Office

Contact: June at 887-2033

What: National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign against Hunger and Homelessness

When: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Dec. 1

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 306 W. Musser St.

Call: Alan Dorway at 882-1032, ext. 16

Next week: I answer another question from a reader, Julie Shine, who wondered where she could donate a new pink bicycle. So if you have a bike in great condition and your children have gotten too big for it, I have a place you'll want to know about.

If you would like your information to be included or have a question about donating items, please e-mail me at kimriggs@att.net.