Area Agency on Aging to Help Locals Grant Lewis County Folks’ Holiday Wishes

Every year, the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging assembles a “Wish List” — a list of Christmas wishes from vulnerable adults in the area, who struggle to stay in their homes. There are 50 clients on the list this year, one of whom is Lorrenda Pesicka.

Pesicka is 44 years old and lives in Centralia. She has her own apartment, where she hosted a sleepover for her nephew and his cousins a few weeks back. Her family visits often.

Three years ago, Pesicka suffered a stroke. After she returned from the hospital, she began living with her brother and his girlfriend. A few months later, she had a second stroke.

“The first one, all it did was take some of my steadiness away and a little bit of my speech,” Pesicka said. “The second one — I had to learn to walk all over again. I had to learn how to talk all over again.” 

After a friend of Pesicka’s came to check on her, both Pesicka and her friend noticed there was something wrong with her.

“She took me to the hospital and that’s when we found out I had another stroke,” Pesicka said. “It affected my right side and my speech.”

Pesicka was in the hospital for a month after her second stroke.

“They worked with me every day, and they got me going with speech therapy,” Pesicka said. “I still have to concentrate on what I’m saying because it sounds like I’m slurring, but I’m not. It feels like I’ve got a mouth full of mush.”

Although Pesicka doesn’t remember everything she tried to say, she remembers that she had trouble speaking. She slurred her words, and had to slow down so that she could concentrate on what she wanted to say.

“It was really frustrating for me,” Pesicka said. “I can imagine how frustrating it was for everybody else to not be able to understand me, but it was even more frustrating for me not being able to get the words out. It sounded like I was drunk, and I wasn’t. Even now I have to really concentrate on what I’m saying.”

Then, a little over a year ago, Pesicka’s kidneys quit working. Since then, she has been on dialysis. She currently goes three times per week and is attempting to get on the kidney transplant list.

Things are improving, though. Pesicka said she has noticed a “big-time improvement” over the last couple years, in regards to her speech and walking.

“I can walk a lot better than when I first started,” Pesicka said. “... I can walk with a walker or cane. I can sometimes walk without those, but only from my chair to my room. But then I get to my room and I have my walker right there, so it’s not very far that I walk without (it).”

Throughout all her struggles, Pesicka said it has been her younger brother that has been her “rock.”

“He would do anything and everything if I asked him and if he could do it,” Pesicka said. “I always call him my hero.”

Pesicka’s wish this holiday season is for clothes — sweats in men’s extra large, and the largest shirts available in men’s or women’s — a large electric blanket and a toaster oven.

“I’m good spirited,” said Pesicka, when asked what she would like people to know about her. “I don’t usually like talking about myself like that, but yeah. I’ve had my ups and downs — unfortunately more downs than ups. I love my family. If it wasn’t for my family, I don’t know where I would be.”

The Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) provides vulnerable adults who struggle to stay in their homes with assistance. The Area Agency on Aging has a Special Assistance Fund to assist people year round with necessities such as heat, electricity and emergency medications. During the holidays, the Area Agency on Aging invites community members to donate gifts to people on its Wish List.

“During the Holiday Season, we invite our community to help with gifts and donations to fund client-specific, but less emergent needs,” states a press release from Area Agency on Aging. “Warm clothing, pet care and much-needed household items are often outside the budgets of those on small, fixed incomes. These gifts are welcome at this special time of year to lighten a person’s holiday.”

WISH LIST RECIPIENTS: 

• Client 1 is a young man with developmental and mood issues. He lives with a family member who gave up a job to provide a majority of his care. He would enjoy purchasing some new clothing as he has not had any new in a long while. He would be tickled to purchase his favorite kind of cheese. Gift cards would be most welcome.

• Client 2 is in her 40s and lives alone with no contact with her extended family. She suffers from a mood disorder and significant physical issues. She works closely with her payee and has a very tight budget. She would like to purchase some new clothes as she has lost weight due to her illnesses. Gift cards would help her with shopping for those items.

• Client 3 is an 80-year-old widow who lives alone. She has arthritis and fights chronic pain. She would benefit from gift cards to Walmart for groceries, to make ends meet at the end of the month. She would also very much enjoy a new purse.

• Client 4 is in her 70s and lives with her dog. She is on a very low, fixed income and has no family. She has arthritis and breathing problems. She would be grateful for any assistance; a gift card for groceries and household supplies, dog food (moist and meaty), king sized sheets (soft cotton any color) and she would also appreciate Jack Links Original Beef Jerky.

• Client 5 is in his 20s and lives with family and two cats he rescued. He has very low income and has heart issues that challenge him intellectually. He would like help to purchase food and household items that he otherwise would not be able to afford and a gift card would be lovely. His cats have asked for both wet and dry cat food.

• Client 6 is in her 50s and has breathing problems and heart issues. She lives with her partner who is also disabled. They are very low income and her birthday falls around Christmas time. She would appreciate some gift cards to buy toiletries and household items.

• Client 7 is 60 years old and is a talented artist who will soon be moving into a senior apartment. She suffers from a number of health issues that are painful and hinder her ability to move. She would like to purchase some flatware and dish soap for her new residence. An added bonus would be a gift card to Michael’s craft store to inspire her artistic side.

• Client 8 is in her mid-50s and has fibromyalgia, which requires a wheelchair to get around while she single-handedly takes care of her disabled child. She wishes for a gift card to purchase a crockpot and groceries.

• Client 9 is in her 50s, and is temporarily staying with friends while she searches for a home with her small cat and dog. She has a number of health challenges and is on a low, fixed income. She has been spending money on housing applications and also to save for a move. She would love Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain-free dry dog food, Kit & Kaboodle dry cat food, and gift cards to Payless Shoe Source for shoes and VF Factory Outlet for clothing.

• Client 10 is 75 years old and has congestive heart failure and very low income. He would be grateful for dry dog food for his little dog, a queen-sized comforter and a new pillow.

• Client 11 is in her late 50s with mood issues, arthritis and neurological problems. She would really appreciate help this holiday season, perhaps a gift card to purchase much needed vitamins and clothing (due to recent weight loss) and twin-size flannel sheets.

• Client 12 had a stroke and wishes for fleece pullovers or hooded sweatshirts in any color, size large, cotton two-piece long sleeve shirt and pants pajama sets (any color and style size Medium – tall if possible), Friskies Pate Marine’s Catch wet  cat food, Tidy Cat pet litter, cat toys and non-slip slip-on washable close toed slippers size 10,

• Client 13 is in her early 80s and has dementia and several serious health issues and is on a low, fixed income. She would be grateful for long sleeve flannel/fleece nightgowns in size XL, slippers size 7.5 (that cover the heel, but are not slip-ons), over-the-bed table that swivels so she can work on craft projects like jewelry and knitting.

• Client 14 is a young man who has a traumatic brain injury. He would like three baby blue bath towels and essential household items. He is going back to school and needs supplies including a camouflage backpack, notebooks, pens and pencils. One other item for his school endeavor is “shelf-stable” snacks he can eat while he studies.

• Client 15 is in her early 70s and lives alone on a low income. She would like a Walmart gift card to purchase: a grabber/reacher with a suction end, a dressing stick and a bed-assist bar.

• Client 16 is visually impaired man in his 50s who also has several health conditions that challenge his ability to be independent. He would find gift cards to Walmart for basic necessities and Safeway for groceries to be extremely helpful.

• Client 17 is in his late 50s and living on SSI. He is recovering from a stroke and has other health issues. He has no family support and would appreciate a few personal items he cannot afford. He would be happy to receive aqueen size bed sheet set, men’s slippers size 11, socks, and sweatpants, size large.

• Client 18 is in her early 60s and has health-related issues that impact her mobility and independence. She would appreciate a gift card to Walmart for basic necessities not covered by Medicaid.

• Client 19 is in her late 50s, lives alone and is very low income with several medical conditions that limit her mobility. She would love a gift card for Dr. Leonards.com to purchase a night gown(s) size 5X, some Tattoo Adult Coloring books with gel pens, and short boots that look like slippers size 10.

• Client 20 is in her early 70’s, lives with her cat and manages on a very low income. She has no assistance and is an insulin-dependent diabetic and cannot afford a diet healthful for her health issues. She would appreciate Iams Healthy adult dry cat food, Fancy Feast wet cat food, Tidy Cats litter and gift cards to Walmart for household items and groceries.

• Client 21 is nearly 60 and lives alone with no family help. He has frequent debilitating headaches and weakness due to a viral infection. He would benefit from Twin Transit bus passes to get to his doctor’s appointments and shop for groceries.

• Client 22 is in her 60s and has several serious health issues that make preparing meals difficult. She would enjoy a crockpot to make cooking easier. Also she would appreciate some sweatpants and sweatshirts, sweaters, or t-shirts size 2X.

• Client 23 lives alone, is in her late 70s, has diabetes and is visually impaired.  She would love to have a gift card for groceries and to purchase a few necessary household items.

• Client 24 lives in a remote area of the county with no children or family to help her. She has a cat and her health is delicate. She loves to write letters and would love supplies of this sort including stamps, stationary, blank greeting cards with envelopes and she would love a gift card for Evey’s or Ocean Sky in Chehalis.

• Client 25 has cats that keep her company. She is in her late 60s and suffers from breathing problems, diabetes and back issues. Her birthday is during the holiday season, too. She would really appreciate dry cat food for her cat companions.

• Client 26 has a neurodegenerative disorder, diabetes and is visually impaired. He lives alone in senior housing and has no family close by. He would be thankful for groceries, a “Reacher,” and a set of burgundy or white queen size sheet sets.

• Client 27 is a female that struggles mentally and financially and would be grateful for any assistance this holiday season. She is in need of basic household and personal care items.

• Client 28 faces a number of challenges due to a traumatic brain injury, breathing problems and a mental health condition. She would like a twin set of sheets.

• Client 29 is in his late 30s and he has visual impairment and arthritis. He is low income and needs warm clothing. He does not know his size, so gift cards for the VF Factory Outlet or thrift stores would be helpful for him.

• Client 30 is in his 60s and lives on his own. He suffers from breathing issues and he has osteoarthritis, which is painful for him. He would like a gift card to purchase groceries and some personal care items.

• Client 31 lives alone, in her 60s and has no informal support. Her health conditions limit her activities of daily living. She would like a new broom and dustpan and a bus pass from Twin Transit to be as independent as possible.

• Client 32 was in a car accident and he is no longer able to work. He lives is alone and is in his 40s. He would benefit from black sweats with no elastic around the ankles (size 2X), four towel sets (no color preference) and he would like to have a meal for Christmas.

• Client 33 is nearly 80 and recently lost the family member who financially supported her. She struggles each winter with both her power bill and having enough food. She is requesting assistance with her power bill. A Christmas meal would be greatly enjoyed too, perhaps a gift card to the Thriftway in Morton.

• Client 34 is in his 30s, lives with his cats and kittens and is undergoing cancer treatments. He really would appreciate quarters to do his laundry and perhaps a gift card to Walmart to purchase laundry detergent. Bathroom towels and basic necessities would also greatly help him.

• Client 35 is in her late 50s and she has digestive issues resulting in malnutrition. She would appreciate a couple cases of chocolate Ensure to support her delicate nutritional needs.

• Client 36 has a number of health issues that prevent her from working. She is in her early 40s and has recently moved from a warmer climate and could use some warm items. She would like snow boots in size 7, a scarf and gloves, and size large black sweats. Due to her limited income she has found it difficult to acquire household cleaning items.

• Client 37 has heart and lung issues requiring her to receive oxygen all day every day. She is in her late 60s and lives with her small dog. It is difficult for her to keep up on her electricity bills during the colder winter months. She would really appreciate assistance with her electric bill.

• Client 38 has hard-to-control diabetes along with a number of other health issues and he is on oxygen 24 hours a day. He would like a gift card to Walmart for healthy groceries and a vacuum for their home.

• Client 39 is nearly 60 and is bed bound due to his health issues. He lives with his faithful dog who keeps him company. He has had a hard time keeping up with his bills since his wife died, so he would love help with his power bill and he would enjoy a Christmas meal for himself and his puppy. 

• Client 40 is 52 years old, a U.S. Navy Veteran and lives alone in a small apartment that she enjoys very much. In spite of a large number of health issues she always has a smile and an appreciation for life. She has limited mobility and daily pain, but when she knits or crochets she is able to fully focus on what she is creating and can ignore her pain for a while. A gift card (perhaps from Walmart) for crocheting supplies and food would be nice. She would also enjoy a warm throw blanket as she spends a lot of time in a chair.

• Client 41 is 57 years old and lives in a small trailer and on a low, fixed income. She struggles with breathing issues, anxiety and depression. She lives with her small dog that she loves. She loves Betty Boop and would like a new comforter for her twin bed. She also adores sunflowers and lilacs and her favorite colors are yellow and orange. She could use a new pair of high-top winter boots size 10 and a Walmart gift card for groceries.

• Client 42 is in her late 40s. She resides with her small dog and cat. She has some mood disorders and physical disabilities. She rarely leaves her home because of these issues. She had a difficult time identifying what she needs and wants, but did say she would love a hat and scarf for the colder days of winter and perhaps something for her pets.

• Client 43 is in her early 50s on hospice due to organ failure. She would love to have the opportunity to go shopping for some clothing, shoes and a few household items and perhaps some groceries.  A warm hat, scarf and gloves would be welcome.

• Client 44 is a sweet woman in her 70’s who has been disabled for many years due to a number of serious health issues. She lives alone and has very limited mobility. She would love help with her power bill and a twin sized Sunbeam electric blanket to keep her warm these cold winter nights.

• Client 45 is in her late 60s and she resides alone. Because of health issues and she has very restricted mobility. She spends little time interacting with others, but fills her days crafting, watching television or reading. She could use a warm blanket. Also she shops exclusively online, so a gift card to purchase something for her would be nice.

• Client 46 is in her early 40s and spends a lot of time in her wheelchair. She has kidney failure and has dialysis three times a week. She would love to have a warm poncho to wear when she goes in for her treatments. It is difficult for her to prepare meals on the stove, so she was hoping for a toaster oven. She would like a silverware set, sweat pants in size 2X and shirts size 4X-5X. A gift card for purchasing groceries would be amazing as well.

• Client 47 is in her late 50s and is struggling with a serious mood disorder as well as a number of other health issues. In the recent past she lost her parents and spouse and is feeling especially lonely. She could really benefit from being thought of by people in her community. She loves to sew and would love to have a sewing machine. She also needs a few kitchen items and possibly a gift card for groceries.

• Client 48 is a sweet 50-year-old-woman who has heart and mood issues. She enjoys arts and crafts and is very creative. She likes to look around for materials she can use for her crafts. She would enjoy a gift card to buy materials at Walmart. She could use a small craft table that would go over her chair as well and she likes coffee, tea and cocoa.

• Client 49 has very little social interaction and is in his 50s. He lives with intellectual and medical conditions. He spends much of his time outside, in any weather. He loves his cat. He would benefit from a package of underwear size medium-large, socks and a pair of Nike or Reebok running shoes size 9 ½.

• Client 50 is almost 40 and lives with her small children in a new apartment. She is excited to be in a new place she can call her own. She has several medical conditions that limit her daily activities. She would benefit from some new pots and pans, towels and washcloths, pants size 11-13, shirts sized XL and shoes size 9. A gift card to Walmart for groceries and other essentials this holiday season would be welcome too.

How to Donate:

People who wish to donate may make a tax-deductible donation to either a specific person, or the general Special Assistance Fund by calling 360-748-2524, ext. 201 in Lewis County. People may call the office to see if a specific client on the Wish List is still available. People may drop off gifts at the Area Agency on Aging, located at 1651 South Market Boulevard in Chehalis, during the drop-off hours before Dec.12.

Drop-Off Times:

Friday, Nov. 30 from 1pm-5pm

Monday, Dec. 3 from 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm

Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm

Thursday, Dec. 6 from 1pm-5pm 

Monday, Dec. 10 from 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm 

Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 1pm-5pm

Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm