Help local seniors this Easter with self-care baskets

Spring is right around the corner and instead of traditional Easter baskets with chocolate bunnies and plastic eggs, the Pleasant Senior Center is asking that Self-Care Senior Easter Baskets be donated now until April 5. 

Seniors living on fixed incomes have been hit hard by inflation and the rising costs of essentials. Things that seem basic to most, like toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, and other products are now a luxury for those that do not have extra income to support rising costs.

“Seniors are facing a time of need. Some are facing tough choices when it comes to what they need versus what they want. Basic needs like shelter, food and clothing are essential and will most likely be attainable. As inflation increases, rent is soaring, food costs are at an all time high and most seniors are on a fixed income (that is not increasing) they are faced with what do they go without…medications? Self-care items? Pet needs? Or even food may come into question,” explained Pleasant Senior Center Director Brandie Pettis in an email. “I hope to target our seniors living on a fixed income that have been impacted directly by the rental hikes (most senior living communities in our area).”

According to Pettis, the goal is to get at least 200 baskets donated but there are over 470 seniors in the community that utilize the Senior Center’s Meal Program, not including those that utilize other services, so the sky’s the limit. The baskets can be dropped off at the Senior Center, located on Lay St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Seniors must fill out a request form, available at the Pleasant Senior Center, by April 4 if they would like to receive one of the baskets. 

Items in the baskets could include soaps, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sponges, loofahs, travel size toiletries, shaving cream, razors, perfume or body spray, toothpaste, toilet paper, large print puzzles, books, or games, room freshener, blankets (heated blankets are a favorite), socks, gloves, snacks and much more.  

“The idea of the Self-Care Senior Easter Basket is to give some relief to our local seniors. To make the upcoming financial choices a little less stressful in hopes that our Seniors will know that our community see’s the daily struggles and that we want to rally around them, that people care. That they can see the light in a dark time. To prevent isolation, to make sure they are getting other needs met like their health care and medication needs,” said Pettis. 

Seniors are especially prone to depression, disabilities and other things that can keep them feeling isolated at home. These baskets will not only help out seniors financially, but will also let them know that the community is thinking about them.  

“Our seniors are our foundation, they are at the most vulnerable stage in their lives. Just coming out of a terrifying pandemic to get back to what is now the normal, to be hit again with some major changes with our economy that are going to directly affect them and their welfare. We do not want to see our seniors homeless, hungry, or medically fragile. Giving is all we can do to keep them safe, and able to have the quality of life they so desperately deserve. By helping, you are helping a senior age in place, here in their hometown.”

Generosity is plentiful during the popular holiday seasons like Christmas and Thanksgiving, but the need does not stop in the spring and summer and the Self-Care Senior Easter Baskets are a great way to give back. 

“The impact, financially, on our local seniors is real. By giving, you are helping a senior have peace of mind and some quality of life making it a little easier to go on.”