West PACE hosts holiday drive to collect donations for seniors

By SDCN Editor

San Marcos, CA–The nonprofit Gary and Mary West Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) launched their annual holiday collection campaign, “Everyday Necessities Drive for North San Diego County Seniors” at its San Marcos day center. 

PACE is seeking donations of new items including blankets, hygiene products, and gardening supplies, as well as financial support for the West PACE Community Care Fund to help vulnerable seniors in North County during the holiday season and into 2024.

The organization hopes to collect 375 new blankets that they can give to North San Diego County seniors with chronic care needs. These older adults rely on West PACE and community partners for high-quality, comprehensive, coordinated healthcare and social services that help them successfully age in place rather than in a nursing home.

The public can drop off new, unused blankets at the West PACE day center, located at 1706 Descanso Avenue in San Marcos during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Donations will be accepted through Dec. 14.

The team at West PACE also created an Amazon Wish List with recommended blanket selections and hygiene products for community members who wish to participate but need help delivering their donations in person. New to the wishlist this year are garden items for the West PACE Therapeutic Garden, which was installed last year to help participants with dexterity and to provide a mental health outlet.

“The ‘Everyday Necessities Drive for North San Diego County Seniors’ is more than just a holiday collection campaign for West PACE; it’s a heartfelt opportunity for our community to come together and make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable seniors,” said Rena Smith, executive director of West PACE. “With the support of our generous community, we aim to provide comfort, care, and joy to older adults who rely on us and our partners for essential services. We are excited to collect 375 new blankets, essential hygiene products, and gardening supplies, and we invite everyone to contribute, either by dropping off donations at our center or using our Amazon Wish List.”

Additionally, West PACE set a fundraising goal of $2,500 in financial donations to its Community Care Fund. Funds raised will be used to purchase clothing, bed linens, mattresses, pet supplies and food, kitchen utensils, small furniture items, transportation subsidies, and other meaningful and intentional gifts for seniors. These items are carefully selected based on the needs observed by trained social workers and healthcare professionals who have built trusting relationships with seniors receiving support and services from West PACE and other organizations.

“Your financial support for the West PACE Community Care Fund will help us bring smiles and warmth to the hearts of seniors in North County throughout the holiday season and into 2024,” Smith continued. “Together, we can truly make a meaningful impact.”

While November marks the beginning of the annual “Everyday Necessities Drive,” West PACE also celebrates National Caregiver Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging the contributions, sacrifices, and support provided by millions of individuals who devote themselves to caring for their loved ones or who work as professional caregivers. West PACE has planned several events to both commemorate National Caregiver Month and share the spirit of giving ahead of the “Everyday Necessities Drive for North County Seniors.” 

West PACE will host a Tailgate kickoff event on Thursday, Nov. 30 with the Oasis Home Advisors group. The organization also will host “Reindeer Games” for participants on Dec. 11 and 12, when they will enjoy rousing holiday-themed games at the day center that are sure to delight.

Donations received through the “Everyday Necessities Drive for North San Diego County Seniors” will be distributed to senior recipients from mid-December through January 2024.