Center 50+, a city-run senior center, closed on Monday, March 16 and starting offering drive-up meals for seniors. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
In the spring, Heidi Miller had an idea percolating in her mind as seniors living in care facilities were cut off from visitors.
Miller is the program coordinator for the Friendship Brigade, which aims to alleviate loneliness in seniors and that mission has become especially important as the country grapples with isolation brought on by Covid precautions.
“The isolation we’ve all tasted this year that is something that exists every day. Loneliness is something that occurs every day with frequency in these (care) facilities,” Miller said.
So, she came up with an idea for activity boxes delivered monthly with several items handcrafted by volunteers at Friends of Center 50+, the senior center. A news release about the friendship boxes said they’re “loaded with stimulating activities as well as a little whimsy.”
Miller ran a pilot program in September with a couple people interested in the concept and filled them with items made by volunteers.
For the holidays, there’s a special box filled with seasonal items like a personalized card, an activity book with puzzles, a craft kit, ornaments, chocolate and other goods.
The Holiday Friendship Box costs $30 and can be pre-ordered for local pick-up/delivery until Dec. 18 by visiting friendsofcenter50plus.com or calling 503-588-6303. Proceeds benefit Center 50+.
Miller said the boxes don’t just have to be for relatives or friends, people purchasing the box will have the option to buy one for those who don’t have someone.
“I’m hoping the community embraces the friendship box with an understanding that when they give the box, they’re helping someone by brightening their day with friendship. By letting them know that they’re not alone, that they’re not forgotten,” she said.
Miller said everyone is wondering how to support others in the community during this time, and the boxes are way to give seniors something to look forward to.
“The intention of those things is really about challenging them and keeping them engaged with something that’s good. Our whole purpose is to give folks the opportunity to have good things to think about and good things to feel,” she said.
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Have a tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected] or @daisysaphara.
