Thanks to all of you, we had another successful annual senior project. We could NOT have done it without you! We definitely brought “joy” to our 24 homebound seniors again! The outpouring of support from Chamber members and people from throughout the region was amazing. In addition to our La Mesa folks supporting this project, we had people bring food, toiletries, and other items to us from San Diego, Santee, El Cajon, Little Italy and Spring Valley. To add to this “joyful” senior experience, we had several seniors participate by crocheting or quilting handmade blankets. The commitment of these ladies is a true testament to the power of community. It took weeks/months for these three ladies to hand make these blankets, truly a gift of love. I would like to add that these three charming ladies are seniors themselves, seniors helping seniors!
We are proud to announce the results of this year’s Homebound Senior Project. A total of 3,804 items were either donated or purchased. They are broken down in the following categories: non-perishable food items: vegetables, pasta, cereals, soups, sauces, beans, etc. – 1,740, stationery/writing tablets, paper supplies and calendars – 905, toiletries: soaps, shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brushes, lotions, etc. – 711, clothing: socks, accessories, slippers, home items – 254, and blankets, trays, miscellaneous – 120 and 74 gift cards. In addition to these items, cash and gift cards were also donated by local businesses and community members. The Chamber assembled all of these donations into a total of 96 bags and baskets decorated with a little holiday flair. On the delivery date our seniors received: a hot turkey meal, with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie, (3) big cloth bags filled with items and (1) holiday basket that held toiletries and the cash and gift cards. These items were transported to the La Mesa Police Department parking lot by our gracious transportation sponsor, Carl Burger Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM World and their staff members, Pablo Tapia and David Benavidez. Once in the lot, the items were distributed to the La Mesa Police Department RSVP’s scheduled to make the deliveries and away they went to spread the holiday joy!
We are also grateful to our sponsors that helped us put smiles on the faces of our homebound seniors this holiday season: Barona Resort & Casino, Carl Burger Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM World, EDCO, Marie Callender’s, Pete’s Place, SILVERMINE Band, and Sycuan Casino. A special thank you goes to the members of the La Mesa Police Department Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP’s). They delivered our items to our seniors and saw the “joy” first-hand during that delivery experience.