Preparations are now underway to collect Christmas shoe boxes for the seniors in Wilkes County nursing homes and assisted living facilities again this year, thanks to "Operation Love and Care in a Shoe Box," the drive's organizer said.

"Last year was such a wonderful success, and we'd like to expand this year," said organizer Margie Burke. "We want to make sure to take care of all our neighbors in all the facilities like Washington Manor, Heritage Health Care Wilkes, Harper's Personal Care Center, and others who may be shut-ins in their homes."

Burke is extending an invitation to church groups, individuals, and organizations to help in collecting and filling shoe boxes for the community. "The total that we need this year is about 175-200."

To pack your shoe box gift, Burke said, "Find an empty shoe box, or get a plastic box at a dollar store. Then you can wrap it, lid separately, but wrapping is not required." Next, decide if your box is to go to a woman or to a man.

"Fill the box with a variety of little gifts, and you may also want to include a note, a poem, a scripture, to the person. Place a rubber band or string around your box to hold it together."

The boxes may be dropped off to Margie Burke at McDonald's, or Kip Burke at The News-Reporter. or call Margie Burke at 706-318-0832. Deadline for the boxes is December16.

Suggested items for your box include lotion, toothpaste, body wash (no bar soap), tooth brushes; snack cakes (for regular diets), pudding or applesauce cups (for puree diets;) stuffed toys, aftershave, brush, soft peppermints, combs, sugar-free candies, hand-held mirrors, soft candy miniature bars, lipstick or lip balm, nail polish, playing cards, costume-type jewelry (beads, pins, etc.) mouthwash, Kleenex, chewing gum, handy-wipes, stocking caps, body spray, puzzle books, socks, stationary, undershirts, ink pens, and pocket radios and batteries.

"These are just suggestions," she said. "But whatever you can do, we thank you for your efforts. These wonderful folks will be so blessed because somebody like you remembered them at Christmas."