Immediate Release
November 21, 2011
Batavia, Ohio. They aren’t your typical holiday gifts. One man needs bed sheets, a woman wants a new bath towel (hers is beyond threadbare), while a third person hopes for cleaning supplies. Clermont Senior Services is looking for 200 more individuals, businesses, or churches willing to sponsor senior citizens this holiday season. “Many of the senior citizens we serve have no family living close to them to help them with the basics that many of us take for granted,” said Clermont Senior Services Communications Director Linda Eppler. “The Adopt-a-Senior program enables community members to reach out and make the day of a lower income elderly citizen a whole lot brighter.”
Richard was one of the recipients of gifts through the Adopt-a-Senior program last year; he received some much-needed towels and other items. “This was the best Christmas since 1945; I was 8 years-old then and it was right after the war ended,” he said. Eppler said one teenage boy used his own money to “adopt” five seniors last year; one woman we talked to was incredibly moved by his kindness.
To take part in the Adopt-a-Senior program, call Clermont Senior Services at 724-1255. You will be given the first name of a senior, a wish list, and a tracking number. Wrapped gifts with the tracking number on the outside should be delivered to Clermont Senior Services offices by December 10, 2011; the offices are located at 2085 James E. Sauls Sr. Drive in Batavia Township. Donations can also be delivered to the Union Township Senior Center, located in the Union Township Civic Center at 4350 Aicholtz Road. Gift bag and cash donations are also needed. Additional information about the Adopt-a-Senior program is available on the website www.ClermontSeniors.com.
“There is no limit on the amount of gifts to purchase; the seniors are grateful for anything they receive. We do ask that if the requests are for household necessities, you also include a crossword puzzle book or box of candy for the senior to enjoy,” said Eppler. To watch an interview with Linda Eppler, go to http://www.clermontcountyohio.gov/video1125seniors.aspx
Pictured above: Clermont Senior Services Communications Director Linda Eppler
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For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathy Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@ clermontcountyohio.gov.