Contributed report

Imagine a “holiday wish list” that asks for basic necessities, like soap, batteries and a warm coat. That’s reality for close to 900 homebound seniors and handicapped adults in our region. Many live alone without family, facing the holidays without the promise of a single gift, personal remembrance or even daily necessities. Meals on Wheels, partnering with McKesson Medical-Surgical, the Richmond-based leading national distributor of medical supplies and equipment, will brighten the holidays for our community’s less fortunate adults through the Holiday Angels gift drive.

The 2008 campaign, scheduled now through December 5, hopes to collect 5,500 gift items. This significant goal represents a 40 percent increase compared to 2007.

The public may donate new, unwrapped gifts for distribution to central Virginia’s homebound adults.

Some suggested items are:
• Night lights, alarm clocks and smoke detectors with batteries
• Toiletries (shampoo, lotion, toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving cream and razors)
• Household items (towels, washcloths and double-sized blankets)
• Warm clothing and socks

Food items and candy cannot be accepted due to many recipients’ special dietary needs, but financial contributions may be made online at http://www.mowdelivers.com.

This year’s new partner, CVS, also will support the gift drive with a $1,000 donation of CVS-label products.

Now through December 5, collection bins are available at approximately 50 area CVS stores and Meals on Wheels headquarters at 1600 Willow Lawn Drive.

Drop-off locations and suggested gifts are detailed at http://www.mowdelivers.com.

During the holidays, volunteers from Meals on Wheels and McKesson Medical-Surgical will collect and deliver the gifts to homebound clients who reside in four cities and seven counties in central Virginia:

• Richmond
• Petersburg
• Hopewell
• Colonial Heights
• Charles City
• Chesterfield
• Goochland
• Hanover
• Henrico
• New Kent
• Powhatan

Interviews about the campaign and photographs are available; contact Kristin Stokes at (804) 549-5663.