Operation Christmas CHEER delivers holiday hope to Sussex seniors

By Glenn Rolfe
Posted 12/4/21

GEORGETOWN — For most people, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

But not all, especially senior citizens living in isolation with no close family ties.

CHEER Inc.’s …

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Operation Christmas CHEER delivers holiday hope to Sussex seniors

Posted

GEORGETOWN — For most people, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

But not all, especially senior citizens living in isolation with no close family ties.

CHEER Inc.’s holiday mission is to deliver holiday cheer.

“A lot of these seniors don’t really have any other family,” said Walter Koopman, CHEER Inc. board of directors’ chairman. “A lot of them won’t have any (Christmas) unless we get out there and do this.”

For over 25 years, CHEER has been sponsoring Operation Christmas CHEER, providing a nutritious hot meal plus a gift — and camaraderie — for seniors on Christmas Day.

Because of the isolation caused by COVID restrictions, more and more seniors are in need this Christmas, according to CHEER spokeswoman Carolyn O’Neal.

So, CHEER needs the public’s help. With a mission to “promote and maintain the highest quality of life and independence by developing and providing services that meet the continuing needs of senior citizens 50 and over,” CHEER is seeking gift donations for its senior clientele this Christmas.

Gift options can range from a pair of slippers to a sweater, or perhaps some toiletries or puzzle books.

No need to wrap the gift. CHEER will do that.

Each gift will include a Christmas card made by students at the elementary school in Long Neck.

Christmas sleighs for collection of gifts have been placed for the convenience of the public at the CHEER Community Center in Georgetown, County Bank locations in Lewes and Long Neck, and at Meineke Car Care in Lewes.

Gifts can also be dropped off at any CHEER Center in Georgetown, Greenwood, Long Neck, Milton and Roxana.

Volunteers are also needed on Christmas morning to help deliver gifts and meals to the homebound seniors. Anyone wishing to give a couple hours of time on Christmas Day to brighten the holiday for a senior who has no one else, can register today with CHEER’s volunteer department.

For more information about Operation Christmas CHEER, call 302-515-3040.

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