Brandi Gruber and other ElderCare staff members have found themselves in an unusual situation.
Of the 80 gift tags displayed on the ElderCare Giving Tree, 15 of them indicate a need for a vacuum cleaner.
“We haven’t seen anything like this before,” said Gruber, ElderCare executive director. “However, we completely understand the need.
“Many of our clients have used heavy-duty vacuums for decades. Now, these vacuums have either gone kaput or they are too heavy for elders to use.”
Gruber emphasized that those who choose one of these 15 gift tags from the tree are under no obligation to buy a vacuum cleaner.
“But if several friends pool their resources, maybe a vacuum is possible,” she noted. “Or, they can donate something else that is mentioned on the gift tag.
“We certainly don’t expect anyone to make a larger-than-normal donation. But we felt like we should at least pass this information along.”
The Giving Tree is located at the ElderCare office, 1121 Washington, Great Bend. The office is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
If those hours aren’t convenient for donors, they may call or text 620-792-5942 or email bgruber@eldercareks.org for an appointment.
“We accommodate anyone who wants to share the Christmas spirit with the people ElderCare serves,” Gruber commented. “I assure you they appreciate the support the community has shown for this project the past six years.”
The tree is trimmed with decorative tags that represent ElderCare clients and their particular needs. Actual names are not used because of privacy concerns.
Gifts should be returned to the ElderCare office by Dec. 15.
“The Giving Tree has always been a popular way for local and area residents to demonstrate their generosity,” Gruber said. “This is a great way to show we care about seniors who are short on finances and have limited mobility.
“I can’t tell you how much our clients appreciate their neighbors who think about them during the Christmas season.”
Gifts could include blankets, warm clothing, toiletry items, a favorite candy or food item, and crossword-puzzle and word-search books. Gift cards for a few staples at the grocery store also come in handy.
Counties involved are Barton, Pawnee, Edwards, Stafford and Pratt. ElderCare serves about 150 clients in this area.
Anyone who receives home-care services in these counties is eligible for the Giving Tree Project.
Our local caregivers serve as our eyes and ears when visiting private homes,” Gruber said. “They give us suggestions about specific wants and needs. Caregivers also deliver the gifts and share some Christmas joy with their clients.”
Donors could include individuals, businesses, churches and civic groups. Anyone who knows a senior citizen who could benefit from this project is encouraged to contact ElderCare.
The non-profit agency’s home-health services include personal care, household tasks and respite for caregivers. Registered nurses offer medication management, wellness checks and companionship.
