Surrounded by dozens of gift shoe boxes she'll deliver to area seniors, Margie Burke says just a few more boxes are needed to reach everyone. Christmas gift shoeboxes are being delivered this week to many Wilkes County seniors, said organizer Margie Burke, but she needs help to reach everyone.

"We've gotten lots of shoeboxes from groups and from individuals,'" she said. "But we need more, and soon, because we start delivering them this week."

Church groups, individuals, and organizations have been of great help in collecting and filling shoe boxes for the community, she said. "With everybody's help, we'll be able to take care of all our neighbors in all the facilities, and others who may be shut-ins in their homes."

It's easy 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 Dec. 16.

Suggested items for boxes include lotion, toothpaste, body wash (no bar soap), toothbrushes; 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.