Supplies for Seniors Program
Employee volunteers at Citizens Cooperative came together last week to assemble gift bags for the Supplies for Seniors program in Floyd County. Supplies for Seniors is an initiative of the New River Valley Agency on Aging, and serves adults 60 and over living on a fixed income. This program provides qualifying seniors with essential cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items.
The 2023 Floyd distribution will require the purchase of over 1,400 products and is funded by Freedom First Credit Union. Brian Craig, Floyd County Sheriff and his deputies deliver packages to eager recipients.
Supplies for Seniors began 15 years ago with the Montgomery and Pulaski Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and was acknowledged with an Innovation Award in 2014 by the Commonwealth Council on Aging in Virginia. Since that time, this program has branched out into the Counties of Floyd and Giles, and the City of Radford.
In June, Giles County sponsored a Supplies for Seniors event for recipients in their community. Employees from Celanese Corporation and Brown & Root Industrial came together to assemble bags and write personal notes to their seniors, and students from the Giles ACCESS TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE EDUCATION program, or ACCE, worked in coordination with County employees to distribute supplies.
“Without our corporate and business sponsors, and the communities’ volunteer and financial support, Supplies for Seniors would not be possible. Program benefits for seniors are fourfold: 1) It promotes dignity for older adults, 2) It provides for infection control in the household, 3) It helps prevent food borne illness and 4) it brings seniors a renewed sense of connection to community.”
The Agency on Aging Supplies for Seniors program benefits over 300 individuals throughout the counties of Montgomery, Giles, Pulaski and Floyd, and the City of Radford. If you know someone who can benefit from this service, or if you are interested in donating time or funding, please visit nrvaoa.org or call 540-980-7720.
