Share Love and Joy With Local Elders in Acadiana This Holiday

(99.9 KTDY) - Have you ever been lonely without your friends and family? In Louisiana, that's the reality for many of our senior citizens in Acadiana and beyond. Some individuals have no one.

Shoeboxes for Seniors aims to brighten up the Christmas season by sharing a shoebox full of small gifts for senior citizens who won't receive anything this holiday season.

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It’s the season of giving, love, and gratitude — and what better time to show our seniors just how much they mean to us! This year, you can share the warmth of the holidays through Shoeboxes for Seniors, a beautiful way to remind our elderly neighbors that they are seen, loved, and appreciated. 💖

Our grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cherished elders are the heart and soul of Acadiana — the storytellers, the wisdom-keepers, and the ones who’ve built the strong, caring community we enjoy today. Your small act of kindness can fill their hearts with joy and their homes with holiday cheer. 🎄

Now, imagine for just a moment… your elderly loved one sitting alone during the holidays — no visitors, no laughter, no gift waiting to be unwrapped. Sadly, that’s the reality for many seniors right here in our own community. But together, we can change that. ❤️

That’s why The Blake Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, the Cajun Area Agency on Aging, and KTDY are teaming up to bring smiles and hope to local seniors. With your help, we can make this holiday season brighter, warmer, and a little more magical — one shoebox at a time.

It's easy to give an elderly person, especially those with no visitors, a GIANT hug from you by putting together a box full of fun stuff for them to enjoy this Christmas. It's also easy to put together a shoebox!

In years past, people made small, homemade items, including even scarves. We have so many talented people in Acadiana that you could put some of your non-perishable craft items in the box.

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2025 is the 10th year for Shoeboxes for Seniors. 99.9 KTDY, The Blake Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, and Cajun Area Agency on Aging are collecting shoeboxes filled with items for seniors in the Acadiana area to help aging citizens get a special treat this Christmas.

All we need is you. I've already started collecting items for the shoeboxes Chris and I are going to make. Can you help? I've already bought some socks with the 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 the eye of a senior!

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But We Can't Do It Without Your Help!

If you have a heart and spirit for giving, you can put together a shoebox loaded with fun, everyday items for seniors across Acadiana.

It is really easy to help out and make a difference. All you need is an old shoebox or a box about the same size. Feel free to decorate the boxes; remove the tops.

Fill the boxes with items from the list below and drop them off at the KTDY studios at 1749 Bertrand Drive or The Blake at 400 Polly Lane. Boxes will be accepted until Monday, December 22, 2025.

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What Items Can You Put in the Boxes?

A homemade item, such as an ornament, decorations, have fun with it, etc.

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**

Usually, each box costs around $10, and it's up to you what you put in it. Trust us, anything you put together will JOYFULLY be accepted. With all of the creative people in Acadiana, sharing your homemade craft with someone is a huge way to send happiness.

It's a nice idea to designate on the outside of the box whether your shoebox is for a female or a male. You can even mark it as gender-neutral if it can go to either.

Donations of Shoeboxes Can Be Dropped Off at the Following Locations:

KTDY Studio- 1749 Bertrand Drive

The Blake- 400 Polly Lane

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We can't do this without you, Acadiana! Thank you for continuing to support us and this fantastic cause and for making a difference in the lives of our community seniors.