This Season, Fill and Give Holiday Shoe Boxes for Seniors.

This Season, Fill and Give Holiday Shoe Boxes for Seniors.

With a growing senior population, another local tradition of giving has taken root here in the Sarasota – Bradenton, FL area. The idea is simple, fill shoe boxes with gifts for local seniors in need, and donate them during the holidays.

While children in need are often the focus during the holidays, all too often seniors are over looked. There are many seniors that would love a holiday visit and just to be remembered; a small box of non-perishable goodies and toiletries are a welcome surprise. In my local Sarasota / Bradenton / Venice area, today, December 4, 2012 is the last day to drop items off at the local Herald-Tribune offices and Chamber of Commerce offices. However, it’s not too late to pack up your own boxes and hand-deliver them to some seniors you may know of. Here’s what to do and what to pack:

How to fill a shoe box for a senior!

1. Find an empty shoe box. Wrap your box top and bottom separately.

2. Determine whether your gift will be for a senior male or female. Place an appropriate tag on top of your box and mark the category.

3. Fill your shoe box with NEW gifts such as: A calendar, socks, slippers, nail clippers,

polish, file, brush, comb, mirror, magazines, books, lotions, scented

soaps, potpourri, handkerchiefs, flashlight, sealed hard candy

(No other food items. Please do not include items that may easily

break or leak).

4. Place a rubber band around your shoe box and lid.

5. Deliver your box this holiday season to a local senior in need or senior center.

Enjoy your holiday and a Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Please Note: If you’re in the local area of Sarasota / Bradenton / Venice or further South, and you’re looking for the local drop off centers for today, email or call me and I will send you the address of the nearest drop off center to you.