Meals on Wheels of Sarasota delivers hot meals and warm smiles daily to 500 homebound seniors, veterans, children and families. With the holidays approaching, Meals on Wheels is inviting the community to donate gifts for their neighbor in need before December 1. In addition to facing hunger, many clients are alone and isolated, and the gift bags they receive brighten their holidays and lets them know they are not forgotten.
New gifts may be dropped off during the month of November at Meals on Wheels of Sarasota (421 N. Lime Ave.) Monday through Saturday.
From November 12 through 30, local businesses will be collecting as well:
• Michael Saunders and Company
o 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
o 3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
o 1605 Main Street, Sarasota
o 5100 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key
• Mattress Firm, 5201 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
“Even a small gift makes a world of difference for the homebound,” says Marjorie Broughton, executive director, Meals on Wheels Sarasota. “This is our favorite time of year because we get to see the joy and gratitude they feel when they are remembered during the holidays.”
Businesses hosting a holiday gift drive for their employees include Bank of America; U.S. Trust; Merrill Lynch; Tarpon Point Nursing & Rehabilitation Center; Sarasota County’s Supervisor of Elections, Tax Collectors and Clerk of Courts Offices; and Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP.
Meals on Wheels clients, who range in age from 4 to 104, receive meals because they are physically or mentally impaired, and unable to prepare meals or go to a food pantry or grocery store. 520 volunteers help prepare, pack, and deliver heart healthy meals, six days a week, year-round. In October, a wish list was distributed and then gathered to help generous donors choose gifts that mean the most to clients.
HOLIDAY WISH LIST
• Combs & brushes
• Shampoo & conditioner (small)
• Liquid & bar soap
• Hand lotion
• Tooth paste & brushes
• Deodorant
• Tissues
• Socks & slippers
• Lap blankets
• Scarves
• Reading glasses
• Puzzle books
• 2019 Calendars
• Postage stamps
• Stationery
• Coloring books for adults
• Ink pens & colored pencils
• Toys for kids (4-12 years old)
• Dry dog & cat food
To learn more about the gift drive, volunteering, or donating through a charitable fund, contact Meals on Wheels of Sarasota: info@mealsonwheelsofsarasota.org or 941-366-6693.