Putting the ‘Giving’ in Thanksgiving

Posted

Each year since 2002, the Lewis Mason Thurston Area Agency on Aging has asked for donations to brighten the Christmases of dozens of area residents, including Virgie Stickler. 

Stickler, 63, lives in the Vintage apartments in Chehalis. She lives on a fixed income and is partially deaf but gets by with the help of hearing aids and a little sign language. Several times a week, she goes through dialysis for kidney failure.

“I’ve been deaf all my life,” she said. “I was born this way.”

What Stickler really wants for Christmas is to be reunited with all of her family and three kids, who she said were all adopted as children. 

But as far as the Wish List goes, Stickler is asking for a red microwave to complete her collection of red kitchen appliances at her apartment. In addition to her red-themed kitchen, her power chair is also red, but Stickler said her favorite color is actually purple.

“I know that it is hard to give,” Stickler said. “Money does not come easy.”

Last year, the program provided gifts and gift cards for 39 people, and it helped 50 the previous year. The LMTAAA provides services across a wide spectrum of social and health services to vulnerable adults to allow them to stay in their homes and remain independent. 

The LMTAAA also has a Special Assistance Fund to help adults year-round with basic needs. 

But the group’s annual Wish List program allows community members to donate items to specific clients with needs such as clothing, pet care and household items during the holiday season. 

In past years, LMTAAA clients have asked for items including medical equipment and supplies, gift cards for healthy food to help manage diabetes and other medical conditions or a nice holiday meal, warm flannel sheets, dog and cat food, firewood and warm, comfortable clothes. 

For people living on a fixed income with a disability or medical conditions, the Wish List program allows them to ask for something beyond what their normal budget might allow, Stickler said. 

To make a tax-deductible donation to the wish list or to the general Special Assistance Fund, call 360-748-2524, ext. 201 in Lewis County.  

The LMTAAA asks that people call to see if a client on the Wish List is still available before purchasing items for clients. If the individual has already been helped, staff can direct donors to others with specific needs. All new and unwrapped donations must be received during drop-off dates and times no later than Dec. 13 to ensure delivery to the clients by Christmas.  Donations can be dropped off at the Area Agency on Aging, 1651 S. Market Blvd., Chehalis. 

Here are the specific requests for this year: 

Client 1 is a woman in her 50s who lives alone on a fixed income and has breathing problems and diabetes. She depends on a walker and had a recent fall which bent the basket on her walker. She likes going to the library and uses the basket to carry her books and would love to have the basket replaced.

Client 2 is a woman in her late 70s who has arthritis and mood problems. She struggles month to month with her bills and doesn’t always have money for food at the end of the month. She would benefit from a gift card for her groceries.

Client 3 is a man in his 50s who has been in several accidents that caused fractures and complications of arthritis which now make work impossible. He is very low income and not able to afford basic staples and personal care items for grooming. This gentleman would like a barber/bathroom kit that includes scissors, electric razor, a three-in-one beard trimmer and a first-aid kit. 

Client 4 is in her 80s and has some serious health issues. A major portion of her income is spent on rent. She would be thrilled to receive a pair of pajamas (size 14 petite — cotton or fleece would be lovely) and she would enjoy a holiday meal. 

Client 5 is 48-year-old single female who has hearing loss, bowel disorder and seizures that prevent her from being able to work. She struggles to afford basic items such as food for herself and her cat. She would love a heating pad, Friskies dry cat food and a gift card for a Christmas meal and other staples she struggles to afford each month.

Client 6 is in her mid-60s and lives with her small Pomeranian dog. In addition to her lung problems and diabetes, she is struggling financially because of identity theft. She would appreciate any help she can get with her Lewis County PUD utility bills. 

Client 7 is a disabled woman in her early 60s who shares a living space with non-relatives. Basic needs and clothing are difficult to afford. She needs jeans, T-shirts, underwear and socks. A gift card from Walmart for these items would help her to get what she needs.

Client 8 is a 39-year-old man with a traumatic brain injury which hinders his ability to work.  He needs help getting some adaptive equipment to make daily life a bit easier.  He could use a shower chair with a back on it and a cane for someone over 6 feet tall. Another item on his wish list is a pair of black sweats size 2X. A gift card for food would also be welcome.

Client 9 is a lady in her mid-40s with a mood disorder, bowel problems and arthritis. She is low income. She would love to have the Atari Flashback game console and some pants (men’s size 32 or boys’ 16/husky) as well as a couple medium sweatshirts.

Client 10 is a man in his 60s who lives alone and suffers from severe breathing problems and osteoarthritis. He has pet birds and could use a small hook bill bird seed. A gift card for groceries would also be a kind present.

Client 11 is 80 years old, lives alone and suffers from diabetes. He would appreciate a soft light-weight blanket. He enjoys watching action movies on DVD (in Spanish or English). He would enjoy gift certificates to restaurants in Centralia and a gift card for shopping at Sears or Walmart would be grand as well.

Client 12 is an 80-year-old woman who survived cancer, lives with her cats and has other serious health issues and very low income. She would appreciate food for her cats.

Client 13 is in his 50s with breathing problems, diabetes and arthritis. He would benefit from a crockpot to make healthy meals and gift card from Walmart for the holidays.

Client 14 is a 70-year-old woman who lives with her small dog and cat. She is insulin-dependent and has difficulty buying food for her diet. She would love a gift card to Safeway for her special dietary needs. Wet and dry dog and cat food would be a welcome help also.

Client 15 is a 40-year-old lady who has neurological disorder which affects her coordination and balance. She has a small dog. She is looking for a hand-held shower with the on/off switch attached to the head. She also needs a grab bar for her shower, a gift card from Home Depot would work for buying these items. She would enjoy a set of queen printed sheets and a quilt in her favorite colors: blue and pink.

Client 16 is in her early 60s and has very little money left at the end of each month. She would love a red microwave oven (if red isn’t possible white will do), so she can heat meals when her caregiver isn’t there to assist her. She also requests a holiday meal, preferably a turkey and the fixings.

Client 17 she is in her late 50s and single. She has diabetes, heart and lung problems and is visually impaired. She requested assistance with her heating bill for winter.

Client 18 is in her late 50s and lives with her disabled daughter. She would appreciate a blue winter coat (women’s XL) and a Christmas meal for her and her daughter.

Client 19 is a young man who lives with a disabled man in a travel trailer. He does not have income at this time due to active cancer treatment. He could use a gift card from Baydos RV for propane to get through the winter and would appreciate four bath towels of any color. 

Client 20 is a woman in her 60s who had a stroke and has congestive heart failure and fibromyalgia. She is on a very low income and would appreciate: sweat pants (size 16), warm socks (size 8.5), sweatshirts, sweaters and t-shirts (an colors/styles size 1x-2x), heavy winter blanket, hat, gloves, scarf, toiletries, Folgers coffee, Kibbles and Bits dog food, small dog bed and a new collar for a French bulldog. 

Client 21 is in her 50s, has no family support to assist her and she has several medical conditions that limit her mobility. She would love a hoodie jacket (size 4x in men’s), running shoes (size 9.5 wide in blue or black), a nightgown (size 5x) and a gift card to Lane Bryant.

Client 22 is in his late 50s and is recovering from a stroke along with other health issues. He would appreciate a gift card to Safeway to purchase groceries, a mop and broom and some household supplies. He would enjoy a queen size comforter (in colors to suit a man) and socks (men’s size 10.5).

Client 23 is an 89-year-old female that loves sitting on her back porch to watch and feed the birds. She would love bird seed so she can continue to enjoy this pastime. 

Client 24 is a 60-year-old who suffered a stroke. She is on a low income and would be grateful for any assistance during the holiday. Specifically she would welcome some fleece pullovers and hooded sweatshirts (any color, size large), cotton pajamas (2-piece long sleeve any color or style). She would like some pet supplies: a cat tower, Iam’s Proactive Health Hairball Care dry cat food.  A couple other items she would enjoy are some slippers (size 10, with non-slip bottoms, close toed, slip-on and washable), as well as Pantene shampoo and conditioner.

Client 25 is in his late 60s who lives alone with medical conditions which limits his ability to care for all his own needs. He would like to have a one-button blood pressure monitor with cuff.



Client 26 is in her late 70s who has multiple serious health issues.  Her income and family support are small. She would like a photo album or photo collage frame for pictures of her grandchildren to keep them organized and displayed for her enjoyment.

Client 27 is in her early 50s and has a traumatic brain injury, breathing problems and suffers from PTSD. She has a small apartment which she likes to keep tidy. She is low income and would greatly appreciate a bagless vacuum cleaner.

Client 28 is 70 years old with many serious health issues. She lives alone with her cat. She would love a gift card for some healthy food and to purchase some cat food.

Client 29 is in her late 50s and has a number of health issues. A gift card to Goodwill or Visiting Nurses to buy a warm winter coat and some boots are on her wish list.

Client 30 is an 80-year-old man with multiple health issues. He requests a large box of crayons (64 or 120 count), a sketch pad, lightweight backpack for carrying art supplies and a gift card to Centerville Café.

Client 31 is in her late 60s and just moved to a new apartment which depleted most of her income. She suffered a stroke and has other health conditions. She has no close friends or family to help support her. She is asking for a gift card to Walmart to purchase a coat with a hood and to buy some much-needed household items for her new place.

Client 32 is in his 50s with diabetes and other health conditions which cause him chronic pain. He would like a gift card for groceries to cover American Diabetes Association’s recommended diet.

Client 33 is a 50-year-old woman who lives alone with low income. She has a small dog and a cat. She has insulin-dependent diabetes and other health problems. She struggles to afford food specific to her diet and would appreciate a Walmart gift card to help with that. She would benefit from receiving dog and cat food as well as cleaning supplies for her home.

Client 34 lives alone with her small dog and uses a wheelchair. She has been trying to be more health conscience in her groceries, but these foods are often too expensive for her. She is asking for a Safeway gift card to purchase the healthy food she needs.

Client 35 is visually impaired with other serious health issues and is 80 years old. She is extremely low income. She would like women’s slacks (elastic waist, petite size 16) that are navy blue and brown. A women’s winter coat size large — that goes to her knees (any color) hooded with fur around the collar and hood. She would also benefit from twin sized sheets, pillowcases and a blanket. 

Client 36 is a 77-year-old woman with heart problems and diabetes. She would like cotton two-piece pajamas (pants & long sleeve shirt) any style and color (size 3XL), white short socks size 10, a white cardigan (button or zipper in size 3XL), house slipper size 10-11 any color and a set of pink cotton queen sheets.

Client 37 is in his early 20s and has no informal support. He is limited due to medical and intellectual conditions. He would like a gift card to Safeway for groceries and a gift card to Game Stop to treat himself to a video game.

Client 38 has several medical conditions that limit her daily activities. She is in her early 60s. She would love to have a nice warm coat (size 3X), a set of pots and pans and a gift card to Walmart for groceries due to her limited income.

Client 39 is an 88-year-old with difficult health conditions and mood problems. He lives with his son. He would really appreciate gift cards to Walmart for groceries.

Client 40 is a 77-year-old man that lives in his own home with a family caregiver. He would appreciate a gift card to Walmart to purchase some items he normally cannot get on a monthly basis, including toiletries and staples for his pantry.

Client 41 is in her late 60s, has diabetes and lives with a grandchild. She does not drive and would benefit from monthly bus passes (a paratransit bus pass is $25 a month) for traveling to and from the doctor’s office, grocery shopping and day to day travel.

Client 42 is a gentleman in his early 90s who lives with his wife. He is diabetic and had a stroke that has left him unable to live without assistance. He would benefit from having his back porch repaired. With this repair he will be able to go outside safely. He enjoys Country Cousin and a gift card would be most welcome.

Client 43 is in her early 60s and she lives with her cat. She is a military veteran who suffers from heart and mood issues. Her wish list includes cat litter, Purina cat food and she would benefit from help with her electric bill too.

Client 44 is a 77-year-old woman with arthritis and a health ailment that impacts her legs and feet. She would like a specific pair of shoes as the ones she has had for several years need replacing. She would like a pair of Easy Spirit “Ellicott” sneakers in size 8 wide and she would prefer a light color like taupe or gray.

Client 45 is in her early 60s and is developmentally disabled. Her husband is in a nursing home, she lives with roommates and her family is unable to assist her. She has had to move several times and she requests a few things to make her more comfortable in her new home. She would like a small grocery/utility cart so she can go to the store independently, a small electric radio, a twin size “bed in a bag” set and an adult coloring book would make her very happy.

Client 46 is in her early 50s. She is low income and had major surgery that limits her activities of daily living. She would love a winter coat (size 2XL).

Client 47 is a 70-year-old widow with nerve pain and mood issues. She lives alone and has no family support. She requested a gift card to K-Mart so she can purchase two items: moccasins that help keep her nerve pain from flaring up and undergarments.

Client 48 is almost 70 with heart issues and arthritis. She lives alone and her family isn’t able to help her. She requests a pair of fluffy slippers (size 6), a back scrubber brush, unscented/sensitive skin lotion and a gift card to Walmart for a new winter coat.

Client 49 is a veteran in his 50s who lives alone and has no family help. He has chronic pain, PTSD, and nerve damage. He would benefit from a light weight vacuum cleaner.

Client 50 is a woman in her late 60s who had a stroke and has arthritis, fibromyalgia, and is recovering from a recent surgery. She lives alone with no family support. She requests dry cat food. 

Client 51 lives alone, is in his late 70s and has low income. He would like a bedding set (comforter and sheets) for a queen sized bed. He likes the color green.

Client 52 is a female at home with two children. She has significant health problems and she is unable to afford some basics. She is asking for an Amazon gift card to get the Calazime cream for wound care ($100 will last a year) and a Lane Bryant gift card for undergarments. She would also appreciate a Christmas dinner for her and her family.

Client 53 in her 70s and lives with her spouse. They are very low income and she has some health issues that affect her daily living. She would like a one-button blood pressure monitor with a cuff to help her monitor her blood pressure on a regular basis.

Client 54 is an almost 70-year-old woman who lives with her small dog. She has no family help, is low income and has heart issues and diabetes. She would benefit from a gift card to Walmart for household goods and supplies.

Client 55 is in her late 40s and lives with a roommate. She has health and emotional problems and a very low income. She would be grateful for gift cards to purchase clothing at Lane Bryant. 

Client 56 is a 51-year-old gentleman who lives alone on a low income and has no family. He has multiple health issues and is insulin-dependent. He struggles in his home when the weather is warmer as he does not have the ability to maintain his apartment at a comfortable temperature beneficial to heart health. He has tried in the past to obtain an air conditioner, but was not successful. He is asking for a window air conditioning unit so that he does not get so ill from the heat in the warmer months (window size 70 X 58.5 inches). Gift cards to Walmart would help cover the cost for this unit and help make that a reality.

Client 57 is a disabled woman in her late 30s who cares for her teenage son. She has no extended family support. Due to her medical conditions she is unable to perform many daily living activities without assistance of her caregiver. She would appreciate assistance with some Always or Carefree brand panty liners, household supplies, and a gift card to Walmart for other basic necessities.

Client 58 is a couple with serious health issues who could use a few items to help them this Holiday. They request a queen size “bed in a bag,” a bag made to fit the back of a manual wheelchair for carrying small items and a gift card to Safeway for groceries.

Client 59 is 75 years old and has heart problems and lives with his small dog. He is very low income and would like some wet food for his dog.

Client 60 served in the Navy after high school and is now in his 70s. He has an injured arm which limits his range of motion. He is independent and cheerful while living in a travel trailer and he would like to get a back scrubber with a sponge in the middle and handles on both ends. 

Client 61 is in her mid-60s and lives with her small dog. She has had multiple surgeries and has chronic pain. She has a scooter to help her get around which needs two new batteries, but her insurance will not cover the cost. She would benefit from gift cards to Walmart to purchase food and household goods, so she can save up to purchase the batteries.

Client 62 is a woman in her 30s who lives alone and has significant health issues which limit her ability to care for herself.  She would like dark socks, dark colored pants (size 5X), shirts (size 6x) and some non-fiction books.

Client 63 is a woman in her 70s. She has little income and health problems that make caring for herself rather difficult. She would love a gift card to Safeway for groceries and basic necessities along with a holiday meal.