Collecting Socks for Seniors

The Socks for Seniors Project is in full swing again this year.

Mary Ann Dulaney and daughter, Jessica Kutza, coordinators for the project, with the assistance of 15 area businesses, are collecting donations of warm socks and other items to distribute to local nursing home/rehab center residents for the holiday season.

In addition to donations of non-skid and regular socks, personal care items (shampoo, lotion, chap stick, deodorant, brushes, combs, aftershave, shower caps, small hand sanitizers), individually wrapped snacks or sugar free candy, soft tissues and costume jewelry.

Also being accepted are garden gloves (for wheelchair use), back-scratchers, puzzle books and anything to bring cheer to the elders are appreciated.

"These are simple, inexpensive products that most don't consider special gifts, but do make a difference. Soft tissues are a favorite among many," said Kutza. "A lot of these items are on sale now and can easily be picked up while you are shopping for the holidays."

Socks for Seniors is a nationwide service project that supports individual efforts to hold sock drives in local communities.

Founded by Jamie Coyne in Columbus, Ohio, this was to ensure that all seniors, even those without family members, would have a gift to open during the holidays.

New, unwrapped items can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Coaldale: Tommy's Restaurant, Angela Triplex Theatre

• Lansford: Sports Zoo, JJ's Hair & Tanning, First Niagara Bank, Jim Thorpe National Bank

• Summit Hill: Hiles Brothers, Batter's Box

• Nesquehoning: Classic Beverage

• Jim Thorpe: Mauch Chunk 5 & 10

• Lehighton: Midas, Beacon 443

• Tamaqua: Dr Puddu's office, M&S Hardware, AAA

To take part in the Socks for Seniors program, simply drop off a new, unwrapped item at a local drop-off box. The deadline is Dec. 12.

Businesses interested in hosting a drop-off box or nursing centers in need of gifts can contact Dulaney at 570-645-4228 or madula@ptd.net.

"Last year's response was amazing. We had enough donations to deliver multiple gifts to over 500 residents at five nursing/rehab centers," said Dulaney.

"We were overwhelmed by the generosity of so many people and hope that this year we can spread cheer to even more," said Dulaney.

"Many seniors dread the holiday season and being alone. This project is a way of showing them that people do care. They especially love when Santa delivers the gifts."