TEXARKANA - A project benefiting senior citizens that kicked off in March with the beginning of COVID-19 is still going strong in the holiday season.
When the pandemic started, many elderly in the area were faced with few supplies at home and were scared to get out and go to the store, said Suki O'Neal with local nonprofit Friends for a Cause.
"We are still delivering care packages to any senior in need as long as we have supplies," O'Neal said. So far, the group has delivered more than 600 care packages in the 2020 Community Unity efforts.
Volunteers will deliver the packages to seniors 65 and older who live within 60 miles of Texarkana.
The packages are nonperishable items except for Wednesday, when volunteers delivered about 100 turkey meals to seniors.
"We have gone from Avery, Texas, to Hope, Arkansas, and places in all directions," O'Neal said.
COVID is still serious and it's also cold and flu season.
"The elderly are being encouraged not to get out if they don't have to, so we want to help them," she said.
The group is seeking donations of plastic or paper bags, bottled water and paper goods such as toilet paper, paper towels and tissues. They also need canned food, crackers, pasta, dry goods and hand sanitizer. Monetary donations are also accepted.
The packages are meant to be items that can last for a week.
"It's something they can put in a cupboard and use when they really need the items," O'Neal said.
"Since COVID-19 began, we have learned a lot about seniors in our area and there is always a need for more resources," O'Neal said. "The care packages are free. Many people ask right away if it costs anything and we tell them it's a blessing for seniors. Many are very proud and that is all the more reason to bless them."
Texarkana AMI Radio Station, Retreat Health Care Services and Friends for a Cause banded together to make the project possible.
Drop-off locations are at Retreat Health Care Services at 4321 McKnight Road and Texarkana AMI Radio at 1323 College Drive. The Citizens Tribune Newspaper in New Boston, Texas, is also a drop-off location.
Anyone interested in signing up for a package can call 903-793-0282.