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Haims: Give holiday cheer to Eagle County senior citizens this season (column)

Judson Haims
Special to the Daily

The holidays are around the corner. For many people, this is a special time of the year to get together with friends and family. More than likely, many of our valley’s locals will celebrate by traveling to see family, holding events at our homes or even attending galas at our friends’ homes.

But what about our local elder population, who may be homebound because they may not feel safe driving at night or in inclement weather, have no access to transportation, are disabled or have no family nearby with which to celebrate?

Perhaps this year, our community will think about senior citizens whose families may live outside our community and therefore may be living alone or with a spouse who may not be able to assist with holiday festivities as they once had. Many such seniors may welcome a little assistance in preparing for the holiday and the festivities of the season.



A great way to spread cheer and assist senior citizens with the holidays is to offer help in decorating their homes with holiday ornaments. Pulling out boxes of ornaments and hanging them may not be as easy as it once was. Or, for those who may celebrate with a Christmas tree, an offer to help purchase, deliver and help set up a tree could be a very welcomed treat.

Take the initiative to ask an elderly neighbor if they would be receptive to a little help this holiday season. Your offer may very well be the most meaningful gift you provide.

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Beginning on Monday, Nov. 27, the Visiting Angels office located in the town of Eagle at 120 East Third St. will be doing its part to help bring some festive holiday cheer to our community seniors.

In addition to Visiting Angels reaching out to Eagle County restaurants and businesses, we would like to encourage area residents and businesses to step in and donate items to our Eagle County seniors. Suggestions for such items may include (new, not used):

• Blankets or throws

• Gift baskets

• New, soft bath towels

• Puzzles and brain games

• Scrapbook and photo book supplies

• Gift certificates to grocery stores and favorite dining venues

All gifts should be placed in a gift bag, not wrapped, and be clearly denoted for a male or female. All gifts can be delivered to the Visiting Angels office during regular business hours.

Another option for those wishing to help our seniors is to contact the Senior Wish program. The Senior Wish program provides seniors with a “wish list” whereby they are asked to identify the top three items they would like for the holidays. Once the Senior Wish program identifies what items are wished for, it reaches out to our community to seek donors interested in fulfilling each, or part of each, senior’s wish list.

This program is very special and unique to our community. If you would be interested in donating, then call Lynn Bowels at 970-445-8222.

Last year, one of the most wished-for items was for assistance with washing windows. What a basic and low-cost request. Your offer to help with the chore would be appreciated more than you know. The Senior Wish program is almost halfway to providing gifts to more than 250 of our community senior citizens.

Another highly requested gift was for City Market and Walmart gift cards. This type of gift is probably one of the best gift options, as the gift cards can be used for household supplies such as a new coffee maker, kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies and light bulbs, in addition to food and medications.

Please think about assisting our community’s elders. If not you, then who?

Judson Haims is the owner of Visiting Angels Home Care in Eagle County. Contact him at 970-328-5526 or visit http://www.visitingangels.com/comtns.


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