This Christmas, many of us will ask for new computers, spa treatments, or maybe even a new car. But for some valley seniors, a new toothbrush would be a welcomed gift.

The Mizell Senior Center hopes to be there once again with their Holiday Gift Bag Program which delivers basic necessities such as soap, slippers, blankets – and toothbrushes – to hundreds of homebound seniors over the three days preceding Christmas.

This year, however, the center faces major challenges as the gift deliveries take place through their Meals on Wheels program, and that program now serves 350 seniors per day valley-wide, so resources are stretched thin. “With the Mizell Senior Center Meals on Wheels program now serving seniors from Palm Springs to Desert Hot Springs to the Salton Sea, there are even more who are in desperate need of basic necessities, especially in the east valley,” stated Executive Director Ginny Foat. Over 90% of valley-wide Meals on Wheels recipients live at or below the federal poverty level; many are frail and homebound and living alone without any social support.

“The seniors we are serving are the poorest of the poor, forgotten in dilapidated trailers or living alone and isolated throughout the valley,” continued Foat, whose greatest concern is that gift packages may not be available to all those they serve. “Mizell Senior Center is committed to making sure that seniors are not forgotten this season. We will do all we can to brighten their holidays while meeting their basic needs.”

The center is asking community members, individuals and companies, for help to ensure each senior in their program receives a Holiday Gift Bag. Generous contributions of basic household necessities such as soap, shampoo, lotion and toiletries are desperately needed. Individuals can also donate gifts for their Giving Tree program. Donations are accepted at the Mizell Senior Center front desk Monday through Friday from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. on or before December 18.

For many homebound seniors, these gift bags bring holiday cheer and a sense of family. Last year, Evelyn wrote “. . . Thank you so much. The bag of gifts and personal items had everything we needed. You keep us going and enjoying life.”

Mizell Senior Center has been serving the Coachella Valley for 42 years and is expected to provide over 120,000 meals this year through its Meals on Wheels Program. During the holidays, they put forth an extra effort to provide holiday meals and personal necessities, as well as volunteers to visit with seniors who will be alone.

Foat adds, “We have come to depend on a caring community to make sure that these vulnerable and lonely seniors will not be forgotten and without a caring gift during the holidays.”

For additional information, call Mizell at (760) 323.5689, visit their website at www.mizell.org, or drop by the center located at 480 S Sunrise Way in Palm Springs.