Shoeboxes for Seniors Aims to Put a Smile on the Faces of the Elderly This Christmas
(Lafayette, LA) - Imagine you have no family left, or your family won't be able to visit you during the Christmas holidays. For many elderly people in senior living facilities in Lafayette and Acadiana, this is a reality.
If you have ever been alone during a holiday, you know that terrible loneliness, and it's heartbreaking to think that any of our seniors feel that way.
Sometimes family members can't visit their loved ones in Acadiana because they can't afford the trip. Sometimes people in senior living facilities have no family left, and the Shoeboxes for Seniors program aims to bring Christmas spirit to them.
How Does the Shoeboxes for Seniors Program Work?
We want to thank The Blake at Lafayette Senior Living Facility and Cajun Area Agency on Aging for teaming up with us once again this year to bring smiles to the faces of those in facilities across Acadiana.
Joining the Shoeboxes for Seniors program is easy. You can grab an empty shoebox or inexpensive plastic box, and decorate it if you would like.
You can fill the shoebox with practical items a senior could use, like puzzles, puzzle books, and socks with grippers. A few items in the box can bring such joy to an elderly person this holiday season.
What Items Can You Put in the Boxes?
- A homemade item, such as an ornament, decorations, or something to have fun with
- Wipes
- Fragrant lotions and soaps
- Chapstick
- Puzzle Books
- Coloring Books and Colors
- Socks with grippers
- Scarves
- Deck of cards
- Games like UNO
- Dominos
- Stationery, Post-its, and Pens
- Magazines
- Large Print Books
- Throw Blankets
- Any item that is considered an "activity item."
- You can add a cheerful holiday note (for some seniors, it will be the only gift they receive)
Items You're Recommended Not to Include:
- Gift Cards
- Aerosol cans
- Glass items
- Razors, Blades
- Plastic trash cans or hampers
- Scissors, knives
- Egg crate mattresses
- Plant food
- Cleaning supplies
- Furnishings
- Items requiring electricity to work
- Hot water bottles
- Ice packs
- Extension cords or multiple plugs
- Room deodorizers
- Smoking materials
- Candles
- Food
- **Basic hygiene items are already provided for residents**
All we need is you. I've already started collecting items for the shoeboxes Chris and I are making. Can you help? I've already bought some socks with grips on the bottom, along with colors and activity books. I'll be doing the shopping and wrapping, and Chris will be in charge of the tape! Haha!
And Christmas is the season of giving. This can be a project for you, your family, your office, your youth group, or any group that would like to gather today to put a twinkle in a senior's eye!
You can drop off the boxes at our radio station, 99.9 KTDY, at 1749 Bertrand Drive, or at the Blake at 400 Polly Lane.
*****The Cajun Area Agency on Aging has a strict deadline for the boxes.
You must drop off the boxes by December 14 at either our radio station or the Blake.
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