Florida Eye Institute & United Way team up for seniors

VERO BEACH —  Florida Eye Institute, the United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) and the Senior Resource Association announced the start of the  Santas for Seniors Holiday Gift Drive which runs through December 18.  Now in its third year, the program provides seniors who otherwise might not receive a gift this holiday season with a care package from the community.

Recognizing the growing numbers of seniors living on a fixed income, the program has expanded with the support and sponsorship of Florida Eye Institute (FEI).  Organizers are challenging the community to FILL THE BUS.  The Senior Resource Association has donated time on a SRA Community Coach and the goal is to FILL THE BUS with unwrapped presents for seniors in need.

The FILL THE BUS campaign launches from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, December 5 at the Florida Eye Institute, 2750 Indian River Boulevard. Free refreshments and vision screenings will be offered. The free screenings are part of their on-going effort to provide free screenings to those in need on the Treasure Coast.  Bring an unwrapped gift to Florida Eye Institute on that day and help FILL THE BUS.

A second FILL THE BUS day has been added at the Indian River Mall (outside Macy’s) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 12.  Unwrapped presents for seniors may also be dropped off at  RBC Bank locations, or the United Way offices at 1836 14th Avenue in downtown Vero Beach.

Volunteers and staff from the Senior Resource Association will sort, bundle and wrap the gifts for their clients in need.  A variety of personal care items are needed, clothing (robes, sweatpants, sweatshirts, pajamas), household items such as non perishable food, sheets, towels, blankets, cleaning supplies such as sponges, shower cleaner, toilet bowl cleaners, personal care items such as soap, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner, bandages and gift items such as gift cards from Publix or Walmart, CD players and music (Holiday, gospel and big band requested), large print books, gift bags, stationary and stamps.  A full list of specific items (and sizes) is available on the United Way website at www.unitedwayirc.org.

Other participating businesses are Piper Aircraft, CVS/pharmacy, and Stewart and Evans.

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