How to Help the Elderly in Southwest Louisiana This Christmas with Shoeboxes for Seniors
This is the time of year when we can show seniors how much we love and appreciate them by sharing a gift through Shoeboxes for Seniors. Our grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and other family members are the people who have helped Acadiana remain so special. Your kindness helps spread joy!
Imagine if your elderly loved one was alone for the holidays with no one to visit or give them a holiday gift. That's the sad reality for many elderly people in our community. The Blake Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, Cajun Area Agency on Aging, and KTDY hope you can help make this holiday season a little brighter.
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 and even scarves. We have so many talented people in Acadiana, so you could put some of your non-perishable craft items in the box.
2024 is the 9th 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 while Chris is 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!
But We Can't Do It Without Your Help!
If you have a heart and spirit for giving, then you can put together a shoebox loaded with fun, usual items for seniors all 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 as a shoebox. Feel free to decorate the boxes; all we ask is that the tops be removed.
Fill it with items from the list below and drop off the boxes either at the KTDY studios at 1749 Bertrand Drive or The Blake at 400 Polly Lane. Boxes will be accepted until Friday, December 13, 2024.
staff photo
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
Stationary, 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**
It's a nice idea to designate on the outside of the box whether your shoebox is for a female or 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
Staff Photo
We can't do this without you, Acadiana! Thank you for continuing to support us and this amazing cause and for making a difference in the lives of our community seniors.
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