An annual program that helps buy Christmas presents for those in western Kentucky personal care homes and nursing homes is gearing up again, this time amid the unusual circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Silver Bells Project, run by the Purchase Area Development District (PADD), is asking community members to help buy presents for those in homes in Murray and Mayfield. The project is asking nursing home and personal care home residents for one to two wishes that are $20 and under. People from the community can then come to the PADD office and obtain a “Silver Bell” card with a resident’s wishlist and then they return to the office with the presents and additional stocking stuffers.
The PADD office is urging those interested in participating in the projectto call ahead to the office to reserve their Silver Bell card, and to call ahead to arrange for a drop-off of present donations.
Those participating can add on numerous stocking stuffers to a wishlist, which can include snacks, board games, and more. All the gifts are bagged by PADD staff and volunteers.
People can also make monetary donations to the PADD office, with checks made payable to the Purchase Area Development District or PADD along with a memo of “Silver Bells.”
Due to COVID-19 guidelines, gifts should be dropped off in a gift bag only to the PADD office by Friday, December 4.
PADD Long-Term Care Ombudsman Sarah Dodd, said residents of these homes have “been on lockdown since March. They’ve not had family, they’ve not had friends in. It’s been hard on them.”
The project is also asking for pillows, shower accessories, socks and hairbrushes. More can be found on the project here.