Maybe a gift card doesn’t seem like a real Christmas-y type of present but it might be just the thing for some ElderCare clients.
“A gift card for food and other necessities is a valuable donation for our ElderCare Giving Tree,” said Brandi Gruber, executive director. “Many of our clients are on fixed incomes and struggle to buy the basics. They would appreciate a helping hand at the grocery store.”
The Giving Tree is now available for donations at the ElderCare office, which is located in the front of the Fieldhouse, 2817 9th, Great Bend. The non-profit agency recently moved from its Washington Street location.
The office is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. If those hours are not convenient, donors may contact Gruber by calling or texting 620-792-5942, or emailing bgruber@eldercareks.org for an appointment.
“We accommodate anyone who wants to share the Christmas spirit with the people ElderCare serves,” Gruber commented. “We see first-hand how much they appreciate the support the community has shown for this project the past seven years.”
The tree is trimmed with 70 decorative tags that represent clients and their particular needs. Names are not used because of privacy concerns.
Gifts are due at the office by Dec. 16; they should not be wrapped.
“Although gift cards might be especially helpful this year, clients also enjoy other types of donations,” Gruber emphasized. “In many instances, the people we serve could use the basics but that doesn’t mean they can’t use other items.”
For example, gifts could include blankets, warm clothing, toiletry items, a favorite candy or food item, along with crossword-puzzle and word-search books.
Counties involved are Barton, Stafford and Pratt. ElderCare serves approximately 150 clients in this area.
Anyone who receives ElderCare services in these counties is eligible for the Giving Tree.
“Our local caregivers serve as our eyes and ears when visiting private homes,” Gruber noted. “They give us suggestions about specific wants and needs, and deliver the gifts and share some Christmas joy with their clients.”
Donors could include individuals, businesses, churches and civic groups. Anyone who knows a senior citizen who could benefit from this project is encouraged to contact ElderCare.
“This is a great way to show we care about seniors who are short on finances and have limited mobility,” Gruber said. “It is gratifying to all of us when we can demonstrate that their neighbors are thinking about them during the Christmas season.”
The non-profit agency’s home-care services include personal care, household tasks and respite for caregivers. Registered nurses offer medication management, wellness checks and companionship.
