More than 400 baskets containing needed essentials were distributed to area seniors just in time for Christmas, thanks to the donations, time and goodwill of numerous organizations, individuals and three legislators.

Jordan Miles, director of transportation and nutrition with Piedmont Senior Resources (PSR) Area Agency on Aging, said the agency has been collecting items that senior citizens in the seven-county area need the most.

To see more photos of the packaging event, click here.

The Christmas bags and baskets, which contain toilet papers, paper towels, shampoo, soap, lap blankets, canned foods, toothbrushes, toothpaste and denture cleaner, is one way for PSR to participate in the 2018 Subaru Share the Love Event.

Subaru, through the event, donates portions of its vehicle sales to four charities, one of which includes Meals on Wheels.

PSR, being a Meals on Wheels member, is eligible for the grant, and has received funds from the grant before. The grant allows PSR to continue its meal delivery services.

Miles said PSR drivers have distributed the baskets and bags this week, and have brought heartwarming stories back to the office about the reaction from senior clients who received them.

“Many of our clients were just in complete awe of what we have in the bags,” Miles said. “They were just so happy to get it. Many of them said it was their only Christmas gift that they would get all year.”

“It really does warm my heart, and all of our hearts when it comes to giving, in terms of the donations we get,” Miles said.

“Many of the elderly clients we serve retired 20-40 years ago,” PSR Executive Director Justine Young said. “Their retirement income is static, and costs have escalated. The gifts we deliver make a big difference and are often the only thing these individuals receive for Christmas. 85 percent live alone and cannot drive.”

“We love the opportunity to deliver a little joy with the help of our community during the wonderful holiday season,” Young continued.

Miles said organizations large and small, such as area churches, title sponsor Real Living Cornerstone and Navona Hart, and Centra Southside Community Hospital have given generously toward the senior gift program.

Two dentists in Buckingham County, Miles said, donated toothbrushes and toothpaste.

“It’s been a real uniting community effort throughout the seven counties to serve our seniors,” Miles said.

The program culminated into a packaging event at the PSR office in Farmville last Friday, where volunteers and organizations gathered to help package supplies.

Those who attended included three Virginia legislators. State Sen. Mark Peake, district 61 Del. Tommy Wright and district 60 Del. James Edmunds. Edmunds’ daughter, Caroline, helped package baskets.

Miles said there are some leftover supplies, which will be distributed throughout the year to senior clients in need. Miles said, for example, if a client was displaced from his or her home due to a burst pipe at home, the client may be lacking the necessities that they kept at home, such as toothbrushes and other toiletry items. PSR can donate those needed items after assessing the situation.

“We’ll continue to help,” Miles said. “It won’t stop after Christmas Day.”