Area Agency on Aging Releases Holiday Wish List

Posted

With the holidays approaching, the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) has created its yearly “Wish List,” allowing the community to brighten the season for some of it’s clients in the greatest need. 

Most are older adults. Many are low income and dealing with health challenges or disabilities and often have a beloved pet.

“The Wish List is important to me because it brings light, joy and assistance to persons who can use the cheer at this dark, cold, wet and sometimes sad time of year,” said Marla Lund, part of a team effort that includes case managers who work to make the “Wish List” a reality.”  Helping when times are hard to add a little light is very rewarding,” said Lund.

The Wish List is composed of the wishes of 50 clients who live in the community, including Stephanie M. Bartholomew, 61, who has lived alone in Centralia for 28 years. 

Bartholomew was born with a rare condition that she described as missing joints in her wrists, knees, hips, elbows, knees, etc. that make it so that she cannot walk or use her arms. Despite the challenges Bartholomew faces everyday she remains positive and upbeat. She studied psychology in college and said that if she was born able-bodied she would be a landscaper. 

Bartholomew said she would like a typewriter this holiday season because a computer is too expensive to upkeep. Since she can only write by putting the pen in her mouth, a typewriter will make it easier for her to write letters and stories.

 “I like to write short stories. I like to write about my life and what I’ve gone through in my life which has been really different,” she said.

Bartholomew shared that she is transgender and struggles to feel accepted within the community. 

“I realized about five years ago that I couldn’t relate to men so there was kind of a moment of truth. We’ve got to face our truth or else we are just being phony,” she said.

Bartholomew said she did something unusual last year — she married herself.

“It’s called a sologamy wedding. You marry yourself and keep promises to yourself,” she said. Bartholomew pointed out the Certificate of Marriage that was proudly displayed in her apartment. 

“It doesn’t matter what other people think you are. It matters if you are happy inside,” she said. “That’s what matters the most.”

Bartholomew said that her favorite things about the holidays is giving the gift of understanding people on more than a surface level. She said that she loves to sit and talk with people and create genuine friendships and wishes she was able to do it more often.

Aside from the typewriter, Bartholomew has also asked for groceries, an electric throw blanket, pads of paper, pens for drawing, a table top easel, pots and pans, warm stretchy socks, and a poncho to keep her warm outside. 

Lund explained the kind of impact the “Wish List” program has on the community. 

“I think that the impact it has on our community is unity and generosity. Our community leaps at the chance to help out with our clients’ wishes. They respond so generously every year — it does more than one heart good.” 

The “Wish List” is only a small part of what the LMTAAA does to support vulnerable adults in the community. The organization also supports people by providing in-home assistance and caregivers through the Long Term Care Services Medicaid programs.

Wish List

To make a tax-deductible donation to one of these families or to the general Special Assistance Fund, call 360-748-2524, ext. 201 in Lewis County. Call the office to see if a client on the Wish List is still available before purchasing items for them. If the individual has already been helped, staff can direct you to others with specific needs.  

All new and unwrapped donations (gift bags work well) must be received during drop off dates and times no later than December 12 to ensure delivery to the clients by Christmas. Donations can be dropped off at the Area Agency on Aging 1651 S. Market Blvd, Chehalis, WA 98532.

Donation drop off dates are as follows: Mon, Dec 2, Tue, Dec 3, Fri, Dec 6, Mon, Dec 9, Tue, Dec 10, Wed, Dec 11 & Thu, Dec 12

 

Wish List

 Client 1 is in his early 60s with multiple health conditions. He has several dogs and would appreciate Nutra Nuggets Grain Free Dog Food for medium dogs. He would benefit from XL t-shirts in gray, brown or green with no pockets or printed logos. He requested an “earth green or brown” balaclava/ski mask-style winter hat that covers his face for the cold winter months. He also needs of queen-size bed sheets in any color except white.

Client 2 is a woman in her late 50s who has multiple health conditions and very little income. She is in need of a new pair of woman’s wide size 11 closed toe shoes of any color (no Dr. Scholl’s please). She also requests slacks/pants that are cotton or polyester in any color, size 18/20 and a woman’s winter coat size XL. She could also use extra-long twin sheets and a twin/full size comforter of any color or style.

Client 3 is a woman who is nearly 60 years old with a number of health conditions and has very little income. She has a cat that requires “Prescription Diet” pet food and would benefit from a gift certificate to Riverbend Pet Center at 311 Hamilton Road, Chehalis. She also needs a set of full-size sheets and full-size comforter any color or style.

Client 4 is in her early 60s and is wheelchair bound. She would be grateful for a Walmart gift card to purchase some clothing, food and pet food.

 Client 5 is a 57-year-old man with significant memory issues. He would like a size large zippered blue winter coat (no buttons and no hood) and size 9 men’s tube socks. He would also benefit from twin-size sheets with garters (any color) or perhaps a Walmart gift card to purchase the items.

Client 6 is a woman who is nearly 80 and has a number of health conditions and would appreciate any help this holiday season. She would love two-piece cotton pajamas size 3XL (pants and long sleeved) any color. House slippers size 10-11 or XL any color. A set of pink cotton queen-size sheets and a soft shawl/wrap/fleece for cold mornings.

Client 7 is almost 70 years old and has several health issues. She has little income and would be grateful for a Walmart gift card to purchase some new clothes for the winter.

Client 8 is a woman in her early 60s and has multiple health conditions, a very low income and would love any assistance during this holiday season. She is in need of Velcro slippers size 9-10, dark colored natural fiber sweatpants size 18 or 2XL, winter coat and sweaters that button size 2XL, long sleeved 100 percent cotton t-shirts size 3X, socks for edema, cotton underwear size 10 and a full-sized quilt of any color that pairs with burgundy.

Client 9 is a 24-year-old male who struggles with his cognitive health. He would benefit from men’s size 11 waterproof shoes/boots of any brand in black or brown and a men’s winter coat size XL of any color or style.

Client 10 is a 50-year-old female who has several health limitations. She lives on a limited income and would really appreciate household supplies such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies and Friskies cat food.

Client 11 is an 82-year-old woman with a number of health issues who loves spending time with her cats. She is on a limited income and would appreciate any assistance with purchasing food for them, their favorite is Friskies.  

Client 12 is a woman in her early 80s who is wheelchair bound and has limited income. She would appreciate any assistance, but could use a Walmart gift card for cleaning supplies and groceries.

Client 13 is a woman in her late 50s with physical and cognitive challenges. She lives alone in a small apartment and would enjoy a crockpot to cook hot meals on chilly evenings and kitchen and bath towels of any color.

Client 14 is a young man with developmental issues who lives with his parent. He would enjoy candy and requests a gift card to Famous Footwear or Nike to find a pair of shoes that would work best for him.



 Client 15 is an 80-year-old woman who has multiple health issues and lives alone on a limited income. She would love a Barnes & Noble gift card to buy some new books to enjoy during the holiday season. She loves history and biographies. She could also use a silverware set.

 Client 16 is in his mid 60s and lives alone. He spends much of his time at home due to his health challenges. He loves his two cats and requests cat food, treats and litter for his best pals. 

Client 17 lives with her small dog who is her faithful companion. She lives alone and has a limited income that is eaten up by her monthly rent for her trailer. She is a cancer survivor and suffers from several other health limitations. Her little dog is 8 years old and in serious need of a nail trimming and updated vaccinations. She would appreciate a gift certificate to the Newaukum Valley Veterinary Clinic in Chehalis.

Client 18 is in her mid-50s and lives with her daughter. She has a number of health issues that have confined her to a wheelchair. She struggles to buy toiletries and home-cleaning supplies. She could use a gift card to Walmart to help with these costs.

Client 19 is nearly 80 and lives alone with her cat. She could use some Purina One hairball cat food or gift card to Walmart. She also battles with little mice invasions during fall wet weather and could use the gift card to buy supplies to get rid of them. She enjoys writing letters and could use supplies, stamps and a small soft lap blanket to keep her warm.

Client 20 is in her late 60s and lives alone with her little 11-year-old dog who is her buddy. Her little dog needs some medical attention and she is unable to afford to take him. She and her buddy would benefit from a gift certificate to the Newaukum Valley Veterinary Clinic in Chehalis.

Client 21 is in his mid-70s and suffers from several health issues. He lives in an apartment and after paying his rent finds it difficult to afford the foods he needs for his diabetic diet. He would be grateful for a gift card to Walmart so that he can purchase fresh produce and other healthy food items. He could also would love a gift card to Sunbird Shopping Center to purchase some pants.

Client 22 is in her late 60s who lives alone on a small income. She is trying very hard to manage her diabetes with a combination of diet, exercise and insulin. She would like help purchasing fresh produce and healthy dietary items. She also has a couple of cats that have adopted her and would be grateful for a gift card to Walmart that would help with groceries and cat food for her furry friends. 

Client 23 recently lost her roommate and now lives alone. She has a myriad of health issues and has to move because she cannot afford the rent where she currently resides. She has two cats that are her best friends. She would be grateful to get help with some Special Kitty indoor cat food and a gift card to Walmart to assist her with setting up her new place.

Client 24 is in her late 50s and has multiple back and foot issues. She struggles to make ends meet with her limited income. She enjoys working on her computer, making crafts and taking care of her flowers in her garden. She requests a pair of Keen shoes (at Sunbirds) to assist her with steadiness and balance. A gift certificate would be appreciated.

Client 25 is a 50-year old-woman who suffered an injury which keeps her from working. She wishes for dish soap and laundry detergent that comes in pods. She would also appreciate pump hand soap, baking soda toothpaste and hair detangler (conditioner).

Client 26 is in his early 40s and has a number of physical and cognitive health issues that prevent him from working. He enjoys watching TV and listening to music. He requests three bath towels (no color preference) and a gift card to Walmart for a holiday meal and to add some meat to his freezer to help him through the winter months.

Client 27 is widower and bed-bound. He now struggles to meet the basics to keep his household in order. He would greatly benefit from a gift card to the Thriftway in Morton for some food for the cold winter months.

Client 28 is a 30-year-old man with major health issues that prevent him from working. He would love a size large blue or black winter coat. He would also appreciate a couple of hand and bath towels of any color, and some basic household supplies like toilet paper, paper towels and laundry and dish soap.

Client 29 is a 70-year-old woman with physical- and cognitive-health issues. She enjoys helping others, reading on the computer and being outside. She would benefit from a pair of XL Isotoner gloves; she loves purple, but wouldn’t mind gray or black if purple can’t be found. She would also appreciate a gift card to Walmart for groceries this holiday season.

Client 30 is in her late 70s and has health issues that keep her isolated at home. She relishes adult large-print coloring books, games and socializing on her computer. She struggles every month to pay even basic bills so she would really appreciate money for groceries and a nice Christmas dinner. A gift certificate to the local Thriftway in Morton would be amazing.

Client 31 has a lot of health issues that keep her from working. She lives with her disabled husband and enjoys television as her main source of entertainment. She has a hard time eating and has little energy. She would love a 24-pack of vanilla or strawberry Ensure shakes (she does not care for chocolate) 

Client 32 is an elderly veteran with chronic health and hearing issues. He doesn’t always hear the caregiver when they knock at the door. He could use a loud plug-in doorbell. (Perhaps the Honeywell series 5 plug-in doorbell with halo light and a push button for $34.99.) He also wishes for a gift card to Reichert’s Meats so he can stock up on various meat for this winter.

Client 33 is in her mid-40s and has with cognitive- and physical-health issues that impact her ability to be productive. She loves spending time with her young daughter watching movies and birds out her window. She would very much appreciate a food basket (Keto friendly), cleaning supplies (Spic & Span), scent-free laundry detergent and queen and twin sheets (dark colors).

Client 34 is in her early 60s with a number of health issues that keep her from being independent and care for herself. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, utilizing her computer and being outside. She would appreciate laundry soap (Gain or All non-scented), cleaning supplies (Lysol disinfectant spray) and Blue Buffalo brand dog food 

Client 35 is a 60-year-old woman with a number of health limitations. She likes to socialize with her neighbors and loves being outdoors. She can also frequently be found watching a good movie at home. She would appreciate a few toiletries (toilet paper, body wash) and cleaning supplies (Febreeze, Lysol and dish soap). She would be grateful for a gift card to Rue 21 for clothes.

Client 36 is a young 50-year-old with physical disabilities that limit her ability to perform many daily activities. She can often be found reading or writing, attending religious activities and loves spending time with her cat and dog. She would like an electric can opener, Blue Buffalo sensitive stomach cat food, any small bites dog food, and a gift card from Chehalis Centralia Vet Clinic or Cascade Vet Clinic.

Client 37 is in her early 70s and lives alone. She battles with several health issues that make everyday tasks difficult. She used to spend her time knitting and being outside. Now she frequently watches her favorite TV shows or converses with her neighbor. She wishes for a gift card to Safeway or Walmart, some Swiffer pads, shampoo and body wash and bath towels (any color).

Client 38 is a younger gentleman that lives with his family and has a number of health issues. He spends time with his two cats and watching some of his favorite shows on TV.  He wishes for some pet supplies and toiletries; cat food, cat litter, razors (Gillette brand), shaving cream and Stetson after shave.

Client 39 lives alone and has few interactions. He lives with an intellectual disability, anxiety and heart issues. He loves being outside in any weather and loves his cat. He wishes for a package of boxer briefs size medium/large, socks, a pair of running shoes size 9.5 (Nike or Reebok) and a remote-control truck. He thanks you in advance. 

Client 40 is in her mid-60s and lives in an older model trailer which is difficult to heat. She wishes for an electric blanket, slippers size 9, a bathrobe, scarf and hat, and a Walmart gift card for other essential personal care and household items. 

Client 41 lives alone and is in her early 60s. She wishes for a Seahawks blanket and slippers size 9 to keep her warm while she receives her dialysis treatments. Due to her difficulty eating she would also like assistance getting Ensure with extra protein and her favorite flavors are chocolate and strawberry. She would find pleasure in cards for games like Skip Bo, Uno and others. One last wish is for an Italian flag to hang on her wall.

Client 42 is in his early 50s and lives in a shared living situation with non-family. He spends a lot of time at home due to a recent serious injury. He has a love for the Seahawks and wishes for a jersey size 3X, kitchen knives and a Walmart gift card to help with the cost of household and personal essentials.

Client 43 is a 61-year-old woman who lives alone. She has very limited dexterity and is requesting a table top easel, pads of paper, and pens (Bic-Biro) for drawing. She would love some pots and pans, big warm stretchy socks, and an electric throw blanket (teal), a warm scarf and V-neck style poncho (in red and black plaid) that she can wear when she is in her wheelchair outdoors. And finally, she could use groceries over the holiday season.

Client 44 is in his 60s and lives alone on a limited income. He struggles to care for himself due to several health issues. He wishes for help paying his utility bill but would also be grateful for a gift card to WinCo so he can use food money toward his power and gas bills 

Client 45 is in her early 60s, lives alone and has no family support to assist her. She suffers from a number of health issues and would love a yearly Twin Transit bus pass. She thanks you in advance.

Client 46 is in her late 30s and lives on a limited income. She is limited by several health issues and wishes for a gift card to Catherine’s (in Olympia) or Lane Bryant to purchase some new clothes. She is an avid reader and would also appreciate a gift card for books.

Client 47 is in her early 60s, lives alone on a limited income. She has several medical conditions which limit her activities of daily living. She had a recent surgery which is causing her even more challenges. She wishes for a women’s bike so she can ride to work to strengthen her knee.

Client 48 is in her late 80s, lives alone with several health-related issues that impact her mobility and affects her independence. She would like a vacuum and a shop vacuum, so her caregivers can assist with the vacuuming of her home. 

Client 49 lives on a small fixed income and is in her late 60s. She has many health issues that limit her ability to care for herself and her home. She would love some new Tupperware, bright colored bath towel sets, kitchen towels, a set of pot & pans, a new set of dishes or plates and bathroom/kitchen rugs.

Client 50 is a woman with several health limitations. She has a cat she adores and would love a toaster for herself and Friskies wet/dry cat food for her furry friend.