With all of the cleaning out we have all been doing, here are some great ideas shared by Erin Schneider at Heather Heights
Summer is upon us and you know what that means right? It is garage and yard sale season. It is always nice to turn your once treasured items into a little extra cash, but have you ever considered alternative options for some of those items?
There are low income seniors throughout the Rochester community who would cherish and appreciate your gentle used items. So before you slap a price tag on it and put it on your lawn for passersby, think about donating them to your local nursing home or senior community.
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Stuffed Animals
The cute and fuzzy creatures that your children couldn’t live without would make any nursing home room feel warm and cozy. The stuffed animals that were once coveted by your children could receive a little extra love from a senior in your community.
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Blankets
We have all spent time within the four walls of a hospital or rehab center and while these environments are safe and clean, they don’t always give us that “homey” feel. If you have a stack of blankets ready for your garage sale pick a few nice ones to donate and brighten up someone’s room for at least a little while.
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Puzzles and Games
These are popular at senior communities and provide residents and patients hours of entertainment. Decks of cards, dominos, chess, checkers and jigsaw puzzles will always get good use and can be used as a way for seniors to socialize.
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Books
“A reader lived a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin.
Books are the perfect way to occupy time and travel to a place far away without ever leaving your chair. Books of any kind (large print is great but not necessary) are always appreciated and can brighten up anyone’s day.
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Arts and Craft Supplies/Stationary
If you’re like me, you tend to buy everything you need to start a hobby, but it doesn’t always take-off. Nursing homes and senior living communities can always put those items to good use! Knitting supplies, jewelry making kits, sketchpads and colored pencils are welcome donations and recreation directors can use these items to connect with a resident who might be less engaged at social gatherings.
*Please check with the communities prior for any restrictions/rules.
