AASC’s Public Guardianship Seeks Donations

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By: Neva Bryan

Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens (AASC) seeks donations to assist in the care of people who do not receive enough funding to meet their basic needs. These individuals are served through AASC’s Public Guardianship Program.

Donations are tax deductible. Checks may be made out to AASC Public Guardianship Program.

In addition to monetary gifts, donors may contribute other items. Appropriate gifts suitable for nursing home residents and elderly people include the following:

Clothing (new or gently used and laundered), such as sweat pants, zip-up sweatshirts/hoodies, fleece pants, white t-shirts.
New white cotton socks.
Personal hygiene supplies.
Arts and craft supplies, such as paper, crayons, and felt or foam shapes (no scissors, glue, or modeling clay, please).

Organizations and groups may donate handmade items to the program as well. Appropriate items include lap robes for our wheelchair-bound clients, booties, and hats. Many of our clients are unable to wear shoes, so booties are especially desired. They love pretty quilts and other items to brighten their living spaces.

Church groups, civic organizations may want to “adopt” clients to help provide extras at Christmas and other holidays.

Public guardianship services are designed for individuals who are incapacitated, indigent, and have no suitable person to serve as their guardian. Guardianship ensures that their essential requirements for physical and emotional health are met, and that their financial resources are managed.

The Virginia Department for the Aging (VDA) has funded Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens (AASC) to provide public guardianship services to individuals in Buchanan and Tazewell counties. For more information, please contact Mary Colley at 276-964-7114.

AASC is one of Virginia’s 25 Area Agencies on Aging designated by the Virginia Department for the Aging to carry out the department’s mission to foster the dignity, independence and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with communities at the local level. AASC offers information and services for older adults residing in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties. Visit the organization’s website at www.aasc.org or call toll-free at 1-800-656-2272.