There'’s a large population of people right here in the Verde Valley
who are overlooked and unsupported in many ways.
They live quietly and most of them alone, having very little expectation of what the days hold for them. That applies to many of the elderly living on their own, with no family left to remember them. There are programs that support those in assisted living facilities but nothing for those living on their own.
Let's be the ones to remember them!
Help us make sure no elderly person who lives on their own is forgotten this Christmas. You can help by donating products, money or time.
Awareness of this need came through another organization that provided gifts for children, as the names of elderly in need began to come in, I was inspired to provide gifts for them, I called all my crafty, artsy friends and collected 24 handmade gifts the first year, the second year calls were expanded, handmade deleted from the request and 52 gifts were given, the third year 76, the fourth year we began putting gift bags together and 240 beautiful souls received a bag. The fifth year 464 bags were given out. Last year over 600 bags were filled with over 3000 items. Each bag included a primary gift and at least 5 products we all use every day,
(see Opportunities section).
As this program has grown so have the people participating in it.
Last year, a dozen people took the time to hand write a beautiful sentiment on 600 donated Christmas cards. It spoke of gratitude for all they have done in their lives.
One woman generously donated $2,500 so that 250 recipients could receive a gift of $10. This was such a special treat for those receiving it. They shared with me a memory of the joy from their childhood when they received Christmas money from their grandmother, all their own, to do with whatever they wished!
AND, there were 25 people who put in over 150 hours, to help wrap, sort, and then distribute the gifts.
The beauty of this program is that it allows everyone to be able to donate something,
the simple, necessary items we use everyday.
Everyone wants to be able to give something and this simple formula allows them to do just that.
Help us touch the lives of over 600 Elderly in the Verde Valley this Christmas! Here’'s how you can help:
We invite you to donate a new gift item for an elderly man or woman.
NEW PERSONAL GIFTS:
Lap blankets or Warm shawls, Towel, Hand Towel Wash Cloth Sets, $20 Gift certificate to local grocery store
NEW PRACTICAL GIFTS:
Cash is also a wonderful gift. We'll do the shopping for you and fill in where needed.
The gift of your time and your skills is important too!
Gifts should be placed in a brown paper grocery bag and dropped off by Dec 10th at the Pet Kingdom in Cottonwood or the Chamber of Commerce administration office in Sedona. For more information, to volunteer or make a donation,
call Brenda 928-282-1524 or Jenny 928-203-0078 or email elderlygiftgiving_yahoo.com.
Another Great Way to Help is to share this information with your friends, coworkers, homeowner associations, etc.
and forward this email to everyone on your local contact list.
Non-drying Shampoo and Conditioner, Body Soap, Bar Soap, Tooth paste and Tooth brushes, Body Lotions, Hair Brush and Comb sets, Tissues or Handkerchiefs, Gloves, Winter Socks (men’s and women’s), Disposable razors, Lip Balms,
Men’s and Women’s Hats and Scarves, Clipper sets, Soft Warm Slippers - one size fits all.
Jonathan Grishem
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Fusce tempor arcu ac urna. Fusce congue eleifend mi. Pellentesque metus sem, elementum eu, rhoncus sed, gravida sit amet, nulla. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean condimentum, odio quis pharetra dignissim, diam nisl dignissim diam, eu interdum magna erat sit amet felis.
Anna Yam
"Last year I was personally able to deliver many of the gifts and I was truly moved by the gratitude that the recipients expressed. Some even felt their faith in humanity restored by this beautiful community giving to them without wanting anything in return. For many this was the only gift that they received this Christmas. The whole experience generated a feeling of childlike wonder, joy and appreciation for both the givers and the recipients."
Stay featured or remove this badge.
