Warm blanket initiative underway for homebound/disabled seniors and single moms

Media Release
Council on Aging Press Release
Submitted by Jeff McDowell
Communication and Marketing Manager

January 31, 2015 5:00 p.m.

Warm Blanket
Tom and Sally Henderson, supporters of Council on Aging Blanket Initiative, stand with grateful recipients.

Homebound and disabled seniors, along with low income single mothers can receive free blankets this winter through the Warm Blanket Initiative. Thanks to a sizeable donation from local residents Tom and Sally Henderson, brand new blankets were recently purchased and will be distributed on a need-by-need basis by Nassau County Council on Aging staff and volunteers. This initiative is just the latest in an ongoing partnership between NCCOA and the Hendersons.

More than 60 blankets have already been distributed to the most vulnerable in our community since late December, according to Donald Harley, NCCOA’s Compliance Officer, who oversaw the large blanket purchase.

“Both Walmart and Target stores really stepped up and helped us on both the pricing and the logistics,” he explained.

The idea leading to the Warm Blanket Initiative was conceived during a cold snap in the fall of last year. According to Mr. Henderson, who had helped with NCCOA’s home-delivered meals in years’ past, many senior Nassau County citizens get by with only space heaters, which can be very cost prohibitive for someone on a fixed or limited income. He observed first-hand while delivering meals that some of the dwellings were quite drafty.

“Sally and I talked about what I had seen, and procuring lots of blankets, and working with Nassau County Council on Aging, just seemed like a good idea. They had the home delivered meals drivers and volunteers to get the blankets to those who need them most,” he said.

With extremely cold weather approaching our area, these new blankets are available for distribution right now.

If you would like to receive a blanket, please call either of our senior centers: (904) 261-0701 in Fernandina Beach or (904) 845-3331 in Hilliard. A representative will take some information to determine need, and then will work to arrange pick up or delivery of your blanket.

In its 41st year serving the needs of Nassau County seniors, The Nassau County Council on Aging is a 501(3)(c) not for profit agency. NCCOA’s mission is to improve the lives of older adults with a special focus on those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. This mission is accomplished through local and state grants and financial support from the Nassau County community. NCCOA’s programs include Adult Day Healthcare; Senior Centers in both Fernandina Beach and Hilliard; Transportation Service; Meals on Wheels; and Home Health Services. The COA is partially funded by local, state and federal grants and donations from local individuals and businesses.

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tony crawford
tony crawford (@guest_27726)
9 years ago

Great Idea—Where do you go to leave the blankets?