It’s January so it’s time to collect soup and other non-perishable goods for the LOA’s annual Soup for Seniors campaign.
According to the League Office on Aging (LOA), “During colder months with a higher risk for illnesses, seniors are more isolated from their friends and family than ever. You can spread the warmth by donating or volunteering for Soup for Seniors.
“Millions of seniors in our nation live at or below the poverty line. Help provide a hot meal on a cold day and remind thousands of seniors in need that the community has not forgotten them.”
The LOA, in partnership with AARP, asks everyone to start collecting items in January through churches, schools, or other organizations. Several Vinton groups are participating again this year.
For those who may be unable to drop off items in person, monetary gifts are accepted and appreciated, to buy shelf-stable items and support seniors’ nutritional needs.
This year’s goal is to collect 45,000 cans of soup to be delivered to 2,800 seniors in the local community. Due to the pandemic more seniors than ever before are homebound and in need of these supplemental resources. The project committee has set priority areas and at the top of that list are homebound Meals on Wheels clients. For many of the 500 recipients, the hot lunch meal they receive is the only meal they have all day.
Other recipients include Congregate Meals participants who look to LOA for a hot lunch meal along with socialization; seniors who rely on LOA for transportation to the doctor or grocery store; and seniors who receive LOA’s intense case management services as well as homemaker and personal care services.
The LOA’s goal also includes providing the filled soup bags to the over 1,500 residents of low-income, independent senior housing as well as seniors who receive assistance from area Departments of Social Services, Goodwill Industries, and other agencies.
Other eligible seniors can call the LOA Intake Case Manager to be placed on a list to be notified when the bags can be picked up. If you know someone in need, call 540-345-0451.
The LOA Soup for Seniors Drive is also in need of volunteers, who play a vital role in the project. It cannot be done without their help.
On Feb. 4-5, Black Dog Salvage will hold a collection drive at 902 13th Street SW. Stop by with a donation of at least $10 worth of food and receive a coupon for 10% off any eligible purchase.
On Feb. 6 and 7, items will be collected at the main collection site, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, located just off Peters Creek Road at 4909 N. Lake Drive in Roanoke.
Visit www.loaa.org/soup-for-seniors or call (540) 345-0451 to learn how to make a donation. You may also send donations by mail to Soup for Seniors, Local Office on Aging, Inc., P.O. Box 14205 Roanoke, 24038.
~ Submitted by LOA, The Vinton Messenger