Imagine a holiday season where you hoped only for a pair of warm socks, a mouse trap or batteries for your smoke alarm. Meals on Wheels Serving Central Virginia reports that 900 of its senior and handicapped clients, including several in the Goochland area, recently have expressed needs for such basic necessities. The nonprofit organization will respond to these “wish lists” by delivering holiday remembrances along with nutritious meals.

Gift collection through Dec. 5

The Holiday Angels annual gift campaign, coordinated by Meals on Wheels and sponsored by McKesson Medical-Surgical, hopes to distribute 5,500 donated items to central Virginia’s homebound adults.

“Our 2008 collection goal increased 40 percent compared to last year,” said Richard Schultz, Executive Vice President of FeedMore, the umbrella organization that includes both Meals on Wheels and the Central Virginia Foodbank. “This year’s overall needs are greater because of the difficult economy. However, we’re confident that our community will come through once again and generously share. We’re also grateful for the leadership and support demonstrated by McKesson.”

Now through Dec. 5, the pubic may donate new, unwrapped gifts. Suggested items include those listed above, plus large-print books, toiletries, and household linens. Additional gift ideas are posted on the Meals on Wheels website, www.mowdelivers.com. Donations can be placed in specially marked bins at more than 45 area CVS stores and at the Meals on Wheels main distribution site at 1600 Willow Lawn Dr. in Richmond.

Food items and candy cannot be accepted due to many recipients’ special dietary needs. However, financial contributions may be made at the same website.

“I need jeans, a frying pan, underwear, and some red high heels for church,” shared one Goochland senior who lives alone and asked not to be identified. “This would mean a whole lot because without [Holiday Angels] I wouldn’t get much for Christmas.”

Another homebound Richmonder shared, “All I want is to be remembered.”

Volunteers needed, too

Holiday Angel recipients who are Meals on Wheels’ regular clients will continue to enjoy meal deliveries after the holidays due to a strong volunteer network.

However, the organization always welcomes more volunteers – both individuals and groups. Helpers also are being solicited for the one-day Holiday Angels wrapping event on Sat., Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the organization’s Willow Lawn site.

Dian Jones, who lives in Manakin-Sabot, has volunteered with Meals on Wheels on and off for 30 years. She has worked delivery routes in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Richmond and now Goochland. Her husband, Bob, joined her following his retirement.

“It gives us time together,” he shared, “and it’s one of the really efficient charitable support organizations that gets to the people in need.” The couple volunteers three Fridays a month, and each shift takes only a few hours.

In addition to meal and holiday gift deliveries, Joyce noted that Meals on Wheels provides a multitude of services. The organization “also offers daily contact, except weekends, which allows many people to stay in their homes [and live independently].”

“We check on them when we visit, and if we spot difficulties we report it to the Meals on Wheels staff,” Bob added.

Dian said they enjoy their volunteerism because the clients “are waiting at the door. They’re very appreciative and always thankful.

“We’ve been fortunate, so we try to do something for someone else. It also makes you feel so good.”