Some 175 gift boxes were given out to Wilkes seniors last Christmas. Shoeboxes for seniors drive is After collecting a record 175 gift shoeboxes for Wilkes County seniors last year, this year organizer Margie Burke hopes her group can have a Christmas gift box for every senior in every elder care facility in the county.

"This is our fourth year of doing 'Operation Love and Care in a Shoebox,'" she said. "The first year we collected about 60 boxes, the second year we collected 120, and last year we got 175 gift shoe boxes into the hands of seniors in Wilkes County. I think we can top that."

Burke is extending an invitation to church groups, individuals, and organizations to help in collecting and filling shoe boxes for the community. "Last year was such a wonderful success, and this year we want to make sure to take care of all our neighbors in all the facilities. Last year we visited Washington Manor, Heritage Health Care Wilkes, Harper's Personal Care Center, Tignall Assisted Living, and reached others who were shut-ins in their homes."

The annual outreach could have been achieved only through generous people in our community, she said. "We have such wonderful folks helping, and this year we'll need more help than ever."

Burke said a gift box isn't a major investment. "Just $8 or $10 will fill a box nicely, and if you're a savvy shopper it can be done for even less," she said. "I collect 'stuff' for my boxes all year. CVS is a great help with their promotions, just about all the toothpaste and deodorants I pack are free thanks to them. Also, I start thinking about next year with the after-Christmas sales and put those sale items away for next year's boxes."

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."

"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 boxes 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, pocket radios, and batteries.