Seniors Helping Seniors

I am a member of a social club that meets monthly at our senior residence. At one of our monthly meetings, we discussed ideas for a social service project and we decided that for two months we would conduct a food drive where each member would bring nonperishable items to be collected and given to a social service organization to distribute to families in need.

All of the members were encouraged to add a few nonperishable items to their shopping list to contribute to the food drive. To make it easy and less financially burdensome, the club members decided to collect nonperishable food for a period of two months. In that way, each member had an opportunity to contribute and allowed a second chance for those who had forgotten to purchase the food items. With the cooperation of our apartment management staff, we were given permission to store our food items in a closet until the food drive was completed. Next, we had to decide where our food items would be donated. In this day and time, one does not have to look far to find an outlet to receive nonperishable food donations.

As vice president of our Seasoned Seniors Club, I called a local county social service agency that serves individuals who are over 60 years of age. We were pleased to know that our contributions would benefit other seniors who would accept assistance. The resource development director of the social service agency was very appreciative of our efforts and thanked us for thinking of the agency. She explained that the case managers would be happy to distribute to divide the food drive items to various clients that they serve in their program.

We will deliver the collected food items in early November. Some of our members will deliver the collected food items and will meet the staff of the social service agency that serves many seniors in our community. We all feel gratified that by sharing our resources and caring for others we have captured the essence of the Holy Scriptures that states it is more blessed to give than to receive. Our club is pleased to be a partner helping seniors in need in our community.

If seniors ever feel that there is nothing of value that they can contribute because of physical and mental limitations, may they take heart in knowing that sharing their resources rises far beyond one's frailities. Helping others is a ministry that will never be outdated. Our senior club received much more than what we gave and that's a satisfying feeling.

All of us have a sphere of influence. Look around and identify needs that can be met by your club, association, workplace or community group and become involved in making life a little easier and comfortable for others. We so often think of giving only during the holiday season. However, needs such as poverty, homelessness, and unemployment know no holidays; these challenges are present year round. With a little organization and much enthusiasm, we can all become involved in giving of our resources to ease many of the social problems we see in our communities. Open your eyes and hearts and be a blessing to others. Remember, charity begins at home and you will never regret your sacrifice.