19th Annual Meals On Wheels Plus Of Manatee Community Shoebox Drive & Reception To Benefit Manatee County Seniors
Homebound seniors receive a wrapped and gift-filled shoebox for the holidays
Bradenton, FL – December 10, 2024, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee announces the 19th Annual Community Shoebox Drive and Reception presented by the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club will be held on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, from 4 pm – 6 pm at the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club (4602 Lena Road, Bradenton, 34211). This event will benefit homebound seniors across Manatee County. Guests are encouraged to bring a wrapped and filled shoebox for a senior or a $20 donation at the door. Holiday entertainment, delicious food, raffle prizes, and a Holiday Market are planned for event attendees. The goal is to collect 1,000 shoeboxes to be delivered to seniors throughout the holidays by Meals on Wheels PLUS volunteers.
“Please join us in this important effort to make sure seniors in our community know they are not alone or forgotten this Holiday Season,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “Donating a wrapped and filled Holiday Shoebox is a great way to bring joy to seniors in Manatee County and we truly appreciate the numerous individuals and communities who participate,” she added.
About this Effort:
Members of the community are encouraged to gather items from the list below to provide a holiday gift to homebound seniors in Manatee County. Filled shoeboxes can be delivered to the Shoebox Reception on Saturday, December 14th from 4 pm – 6 pm at the Lakewood Ranch Elks Club. Shoebox gifts can also be delivered to the office of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee location (811 23rd Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208) during business hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, no later than Monday, December 16th.
SHOEBOX EXAMPLE:
Each shoebox is wrapped, top and bottom separately.
Typically, 10 items are placed in each box with tissue paper.
The box is closed and secured with a rubber band and is identified as either male, female, or non-gender specific.
Items to include:
Chapstick, flashlight with batteries, hand lotion/moisturizer, holiday trinkets (non-breakable), Kleenex, mechanical pencils, notepads, pens, paperback puzzle books (large print), shampoo/conditioner, slipper socks with grips, toothbrush/toothpaste (small to medium size).
Items NOT Needed:
Razors, candy/food, candles, breakable items, gift cards, alcohol/tobacco products, cash
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About Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
While initially founded in 1972, with the purpose of providing nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled residents of Manatee County, Meals on Wheels of Manatee, Inc. became so much more. The organization grew over the years in response to community needs, and the “PLUS” was eventually added to the name as a way of representing the many other services offered. The mission of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is to assist individuals to live independently by providing nutrition and caring, supportive services. Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee offers comprehensive care and essential programs that assist people to live independently. While services include delivering nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled, other essential programs include: The Food Bank of Manatee, Daybreak Adult Day Center, and Friendship Dining. More information is available at www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org.
