Meals On Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County currently delivers hot, nutritious meals to over 500 elderly, homebound people 5 days a week. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to begin collecting wrapped shoe boxes for the “Santa For Seniors” project. Similar to Operation Christmas Child that collects shoeboxes filled with gifts for children, the Santa For Seniors project collects filled shoeboxes to distribute to Buncombe County’s homebound elderly. This annual project provides a combination of individual gift bags and wrapped gift boxes to over 500 Meals On Wheels clients during the holiday season.

“It’s a magical holiday experience to witness the response of our seniors. They spend most of their days alone and are both surprised and grateful to know that someone remembered them during the holidays. They’re like kids! For many of our clients who have lost family and friends over the years, it’s the only gift they’ll receive during the holidays!” says Terri Bowman, Development Director for Meals On Wheels. “Response has been somewhat slow, but we’re hoping things will pick up as people get in the holiday spirit!” Bowman urges people interested in helping to visit the agency’s website, www.mowabc.org for more information and gift suggestions.

Meals On Wheels is currently collecting shoeboxes (wrapped but not sealed and marked for a Male or Female) filled with gifts for the elderly. Their goal is 525 boxes. Items can be dropped off at the Meals On Wheels offices on 146 Victoria Road in Asheville until December 15, 2011. The agency also needs volunteers willing to deliver gifts.

Meals On Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County provides hot, nutritious meals to the elderly homebound, thus allowing them to live in their own homes, among familiar surroundings and maintain their dignity while aging. They currently serve over 500 seniors each day. Anyone wanting additional information about the Santa For Seniors project or supporting Meals On Wheels in other ways, can call Terri Bowman or MaRita Alexander at (828)253-5286 or visit www.mowabc.org.

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