Homebound seniors receive a wrapped and gift-filled shoebox for the holidays
Bradenton, FL – November 22, 2022 Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee announces the 17th Annual Community Shoebox Drive and Reception presented by the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club will be held on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, from 4 pm – 6 pm at the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club (4602 Lena Road, Bradenton, 34211). This event will benefit homebound seniors across Manatee County. Guests are encouraged to bring a wrapped and filled shoebox for a senior or a $20 donation at the door. The goal is to collect 1,000 shoeboxes to be delivered to seniors throughout the holidays by Meals on Wheels PLUS volunteers.
“We are asking our community to join us in this important effort to provide holiday gifts to homebound seniors in Manatee County so that seniors in our community know they are not forgotten this holiday season,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.
About this Effort:
Members of the community are encouraged to gather items from the list below to provide a holiday gift to homebound seniors in Manatee County. Filled shoeboxes can be delivered to the Shoebox Reception on Saturday, December 3rd from 4 pm – 6 pm at the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club. Shoebox gifts can also be delivered to the office of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee location (811 23rd Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208) during business hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, no later than Friday, December 9th.
SHOEBOX EXAMPLE:
- Each shoebox is wrapped, top and bottom separately.
- Typically, 10 items are placed in each box with tissue paper.
- The box is closed and secured with a rubber band and is identified as either male, female, or non-gender specific.
Items to include:
Chapstick, flashlight with batteries, hand lotion/moisturizer, holiday trinkets (non-breakable), Kleenex, mechanical pencils, notepads, pens, paperback puzzle books (large print), shampoo, slipper socks with grips, toothbrush/toothpaste (small to medium size).
Items NOT Needed:
Razors, candy, candles, breakables, gift cards
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About Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
While initially founded in 1972, with the purpose of providing nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled residents of Manatee County, Meals on Wheels of Manatee, Inc. became so much more. The organization grew over the years in response to community needs, and the “PLUS” was eventually added to the name as a way of representing the many other services offered. The mission of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is to assist individuals to live independently by providing nutrition and caring, supportive services. Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee offers comprehensive care and essential programs that assist people to live independently. While services include delivering nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled, other essential programs include: The Food Bank of Manatee, Daybreak Adult Day Center, and Friendship Dining. More information is available at www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org.