WAYS TO GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Millions of seniors will be alone this holiday season. They are more isolated than ever before. Our local seniors are unable to see their friends, family, neighbors and loved ones as they try to stay protected from COVID-19.
Below are some local charities that are helping seniors in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and throughout Volusia County this holiday season.
Council on Aging:
About them: Council on Aging of Volusia County (COA), founded in 1967, is the only local non-profit focused exclusively on assisting the senior population, the fastest-growing age group in our area. We offer a range of services provided by caring, well-trained, and dedicated individuals screened through Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Level II National FBI background checks.
Services: They offer aid with personal care, light homemaking, chores, meal services, guardianship and more!
New Smyrna Beach Senior Center & Dining Site: https://www.coavolusia.org/COA-New-Smyrna-Beach-Senior-Center—Neighborhood-Dining-Site-10-37.html
How to Help: For more information on donations, sponsorship, and volunteering visit https://www.coavolusia.org/how-you-can-help/index.
Meals on Wheels:
About them: Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.
Services: This holiday season they are aiming at sharing more than meals with the senior population. Due to COVID-19 more seniors are isolated and lonely than ever before. Learn more: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/learn-more/meals-on-wheels-america-brighten-their-holidays
How to Help:
- Volunteer: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/take-action/volunteer/
- Advocate: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/take-action/advocate/
- Donate: https://ams.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?WebCode=globaldonate&site=mowa&CampCode=AnnualCampaign&AplCode=AnnCampWeb&_ga=2.90392729.284738718.1608138613-343555406.1608138613
Florida Veterans Foundation:
About them: The Florida Veterans Foundation serves as the statewide lead organization for Florida veterans and their families by providing direct services and partnering with state and local governments, veteran service organizations, and educational institutions to improve their physical, financial, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Holiday Cards for Heroes: The Florida Veterans Foundation and Duke Energy have partnered to support Sunshine State Veterans this holiday season. Hundreds of holiday cards were personally created by Duke Energy employees to give thanks and encouragement to our Veterans during this holiday season.
Starting December 14, 2020, click on “Holiday Cards for Heroes” and download the virtual holiday cards to share with Veterans in your community.
How to get involved: https://helpflvets.org/get-involved/
All in all, we appreciate you wanting to help seniors in our community. Once we open we will also be looking for volunteers to help with activities and more! Learn more here: https://albacourt.com/volunteers/