‘Shoe Boxes for Seniors’

Aims To Spred Holiday Cheer

ONEONTA – Lisa Nunez of Oneonta is working to spread a little cheer to homebound senior citizens this holiday season with a gift-giving program that she calls Shoe Boxes for Seniors.

“No one ever gives to these homebound seniors,” said Nunez. “These are people in our community that we’ve sort of forgotten about.”

Nunez came up with the idea to deliver shoe boxes filled with small gifts and useful items to these senior citizens who don’t get as much attention. “Maybe it’s just a soft spot that I’ve developed from being a nurse,” said Nunez.

Nunez got inspiration from the Meals on Wheels program that delivers frozen foods to homebound seniors each week. After doing some research, she found out that the Otsego County Office for the Aging delivers 230 meals a week to seniors across Otsego County. The Office for the Aging was happy to assist in delivering the shoe boxes to senior citizens, and will bring them as a surprise gift before Christmas.

Nunez recommends putting useful items for seniors in the boxes. Items such as books, magazines, magnifying glasses, hygienic products, or even simple items such as blankets are all excellent gift ideas. For something more exciting, people can donate gifts from this list of gift ideas for 70 year old men! It’ll be like giving a child a gift they have asked for all year. Hopefully, the seniors will use all of their gifts and also know, they’re not alone.
Senior citizens are in constant need of our help, and some will not be able to access that help if they are not checked up on, getting cell phones for senior citizens can help them be in constant contact with you and ask for help when needed, the big display and buttons will make it easier for them to see what they are doing, don’t just help them at Christmas, help them always, they need it.

The deadline to drop off boxes is Dec. 16, and those interested in donating can drop off their shoe boxes filled with gifts to one of four drop boxes located around Oneonta. Participants can find drop boxes at the Southside Mall, the Green Earth organic food store, the Working Kitchen cabinetry store, or the New York Skin and Vein Center in Oneonta.

The program has not reached the 230 box goal yet, but Nunez hopes to see an increase in boxes as the deadline gets closer. The event concludes with a holiday reception party at the Green Earth store on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 11-2.