LIVINGSTON PARISH — For three years, the Livingston Parish Council on Aging and the Livingston Chamber of Commerce have put on an Adopt-a-Senior event during the Christmas season to bring holiday joy to those who may not have it otherwise.
While almost every single senior in the program has already been adopted, the council is still requesting “stocking stuffer” items.
Intake Coordinator Bridgette Gilbert Massey said that this year’s adoption event had around 277 seniors participating. Seniors came from locations in Denham Springs, Springfield, Maurepas, and Livingston, and filled out their wish lists with three items along with sizes and their name.
“Some of the items on their wish lists are pretty simple,” Massey said. “They range from things like clothing, shoes and slippers, to gift cards.”
She said this time of year can be difficult for many people, and it’s important to remember those in the community who may otherwise be forgotten in the holiday celebrations.
“It’s important for seniors to be remembered especially during the holidays, because a lot of them have no family. Getting a gift or even coming in to the sites might be the only way for them to experience Christmas at all,” she explained.
Community support is always welcome, and to help with this year’s Adopt-a-Senior, the Council on Aging is looking for stocking stuffer items:
- Christmas candy
- Coloring books or large-print puzzle books
- Puzzles
- Hats, blankets, gloves & scarves
- Slip-proof socks & slippers
- Pocket watches
- Pens & notepads
- Pocket calendars
- Manicure sets or emery boards
- Lanyards & key chains
- Bath items (soap, sponges, mini shampoos & conditioners, shaving cream, lotions, etc.)
- Hygiene items (deodorant, toothbrush or toothpaste, body powder, nose or ear hair trimmers, etc.)
- Combs & brushes
- Q-Tips
- Mini Kleenex packets
- Pill boxes
- Denture cups & cleaner
- Flashlights
- Magnifying glasses
- Travel cups
The deadline to bring in stocking stuffer items is Dec. 13 to 949 Government Street in Denham Springs. For any questions, contact the Livingston Council on Aging at (225) 664-9343. The only way to donate is to physically drop off donations at the address.
Residents assist the Council on Aging year-round, Massey said. Volunteers are welcome at any of the parish’s four meal sites, and there are multiple events throughout the year.
“We are always looking for people to volunteer on a daily basis with things like calling bingo or even donating bingo prizes,” she added.
All of the locations accept clothing, household goods, and medical equipment donations. The sites all have a garage sale corner where the seniors can browse donations.
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