Mizell Senior Center Holiday Gift Program In Jeopardy

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Jack Newby
760-323-5689 x 118

Palm Springs, CA: Mizell Senior Center of Palm Springs has announced that the Center’s Holiday Gift Program for homebound seniors who will be alone during the holidays faces elimination this year. “Unfortunately, we are not seeing the donations that we have seen in previous years” stated Ginny Foat, Executive Director. Gift baskets with household items, personal care items, and other gifts may not be delivered this year.” “In previous years at this time, my office was overflowing with items for our Holiday Baskets. This year there have been very few donations of gift items,” according to Ana Calderon, Director of Nutrition. Donations to the annual Giving Tree have also been down considerably. Nearly 50 homebound seniors are represented on the Giving Tree, each listing simple gift items they need for their home or personal needs. On Christmas morning, volunteers deliver a Holiday Meal to these seniors with the gift basket.

This year, Emeritus of Palm Springs has generously donated 100 meals that will be delivered to seniors who will be alone on Christmas day. Emeritus at Palm Springs provides all the comforts of home in their Assisted Living and Memory Care complex located at 1780 E. Baristo Rd., in Palm Springs. Mizell Senior Center is working with Emeritus at Palm Springs, Desert Healthcare District, and others to help insure the gift delivery to homebound seniors.

Mizell Senior Center provides over 30,000 meals each year through its Meals On Wheels Program to approximately 150 seniors throughout Palm Springs and Cathedral City. During the Holidays, Mizell Senior Center puts forth extra effort to provide Holiday Meals, gift baskets, and visits to seniors who will be alone. “It is very difficult for us to contemplate that these vulnerable and lonely seniors will be forgotten and without gifts during the holidays” continued Foat.

Mizell Senior Center has been serving Palm Springs and surrounding communities for over 37 years, and is the community focal point on healthy and active aging. This is a place where Active Adults of all ages come together for service and activity which enhance their dignity, supports their independence and encourages their involvement in and with the community. Mizell Senior Center also operates the largest Meals On Wheels Program in the Coachella Valley serving our most frail and at risk seniors. For additional information, call Mizell at 760-323-5689, visit our website at www.mizell.org, or drop by the center located at 480 S Sunrise Way.