The annual ACCESS Senior Shoebox Project has kicked off and will be accepting wrapped shoeboxes filled with a variety of fun and usable items until December 5, 2014. The purpose of this project is to bring some good cheer and extra special attention to Jackson County seniors, people with disabilities or shut-ins during the holiday season.
Donors and volunteers have the opportunity to wrap shoeboxes and fill them with simple household items. Examples include simple items that you may give to your own parents or grandparents: a pocket calendar, address book, post-it notes, flashlight, sewing kits, neck pillow, jar grabber, alarm clock; fun items such as small stuffed animals, card games, crossword puzzles; toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, bath sponges, combs, brushes, nail clippers; or other inexpensive gifts. We ask that the box lids and bottoms are wrapped separately, so we may add a holiday greeting and ACCESS contact information in case recipients are in need of special assistance.
“This is such an important part of our year round Senior Services Program,” says Volunteer Coordinator Nicki Bell, “a small shoebox creates a lot of big smiles, for some great people during the holidays.”
For an expanded list of items, see www.accesshelps.org and click on the “Senior Shoebox” button.
There are varieties of ways to help. Volunteers can fill shoeboxes, bring in empty boxes or containers, donate wrapping paper, purchase items for the boxes or make a donation to help support the program.
Shoeboxes can be dropped at ACCESS, 3630 Aviation Way, Medford. For information or to volunteer, call Nicki Bell at 541-618-4003 or email shoebox@accesshelps.org.
As the Community Action Agency of Jackson County, ACCESS has been helping Jackson County residents break the cycle of poverty since 1976. With a focus on education, ACCESS helps low-income families and seniors through economic crisis by guiding them through changes in habits to help them become self-sustaining.