More than 50 seniors in Wilkes County nursing homes and assisted living facilities will get a merrier Christmas this week, thanks to “Operation Love and Care in a Shoe Box,” organizer Margie Burke said.

“We’ve had really good response,” she said, “both from organizations and from individuals. People have been wonderful, and some of the shoeboxes are just so beautifully decorated.”

Working with Dr. Joe Harris and Washington Faith in Action, Burke says that they were able to provide gifts for many more seniors.

The shoeboxes, full of personal care items, socks, food, books, and special treats, were delivered Wednesday morning to seniors living in Wilkes Health Care and in Washington Manor. “Some of these folks don’t have anybody to share Christmas with, and this means so much to them,” she said.

After the success of this year’s drive, she said, the goal next year will be to reach even more seniors in outlying areas. “Everyone deserves to be remembered at Christmas, especially these dear people.”