Tomi Jaycox, volunteer manager of the Van Wert Arts Factory, left, and Kay Sluterbeck, VWAF volunteer present gifts to Van Wert County Council on Aging Director Kevin Matthews.

“It is with a grateful heart that the Van Wert Arts Factory was able to provide this avenue to ensure the elderly will receive a gift during the holiday season. Many area seniors are suffering not only from health issues, but financial needs as well,” Arts Factory Manager Tomi Jaycox said.

Jaycox noted that the COA requested that gifts be in the form of gift cards from area grocery stores, hardware stores, department stores, etc. This is because all of the COA clients assisted by the Giving Tree are on fixed incomes, and some are not able to pay for all their needs — especially considering the cost of groceries and prescriptions.  Therefore, the gift cards allow these people to choose the items they most need, and perhaps even provide small luxuries that will be very much appreciated.

For more information on how to give to a needy senior citizen in the area, contact Adam Reis at Main Street Van Wert, 136 E. Main St. or call 419-238-6911.