Giving Tree for Senior Citizens

CRESCO - Since 2011, the Times Plain Dealer has sponsored the Senior Citizen Giving Tree. Locals can donate gifts for senior citizens residing at the local care centers. 

Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at the Times’ office at 214 N. Elm St. Friday, Dec. 9 by 5 p.m. for distribution.

The tradition began in an effort to help senior citizens, who often do not receive gifts for Christmas. Staff at the Times recognized there doesn’t seem to be any similar Giving Trees in the area, focusing primarily on gift-giving to seniors. There are many elderly in the community who don’t have any family in the area, and they don’t get anything for Christmas at all.

In addition, some of the items are used as prizes for the care centers’ game days.

Gift ideas include: Large-print word searches are a big hit, toiletry items such as  unopened shampoo and lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, perfume or body spray or Dove and Coast soap. Other gift ideas include stamps, sugar-free candy, hard candy, chocolates, socks with rubber soles, slippers, robes, gift cards (perhaps to a flower shop), plants, flowers, art and craft items, fleece blankets or any decorative item for their rooms. Cash can be used by care center staff to purchase other needed items as well.

Also, the care centers request no razors or aerosol cans, such as hair spray.

For more information, call the Times office at 563-547-3601.