By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.com
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is adopting three area nursing homes for its new community service initiative.
The program, called “Sheriff’s Christmas Caring,” is asking for donations to make gift baskets for nursing home residents.
Lt. Debra Yokley, one of the organizers, said the goals is to collect enough donations to make baskets for around 200 residents. And organizers hope the program can grow in the future.
“We thought this is something we can do to give back to the community,” said Yokley, adding that some of the elderly residents get few visitors.
The Sheriff’s Office will be collecting the following items:
– Non-perishable snack products;
– Socks and slippers (especially non-skid kind);
– Gloves and scarves (for those who are able to go outside);
– Toiletry items: combs, brushes, lotions, tissues;
– Baskets to place the gifts in, along with ribbons and cellophane wrap.
The Sheriff’s Office will also accept donations. Make checks payable to Sheriff’s Christmas Caring; mail to 232 N. Main St., Salisbury, N.C. 28144, or drop off at the Sheriff’s Office. For large donations, call to arrange a pickup. The deadline for donations is Dec. 4.
Once the needed items are collected, Sheriff’s Office employees, along with the Sheriff’s Explorers, will assemble the gift baskets and deliver them. The employees also plan to spend time visiting with the patients.
“Our desire is to encourage and brighten their Christmas season,” Yokley said.
Stephanie Huie with the Rowan County Emergency Medical Services is also working with the program.
For more information, contact Yokley at 704-216-8700 or e-mail debrayokley@rowancountync.gov or huie at 704-216-8163 or e-mail at stephanie.huie@rowancountync.gov.
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254.