New and gently used afghan blankets are being collected through the Ombudsman Program at COSA (County of Delaware Services for the Aging) to provide holiday warmth and cheer to senior citizens residing at long-term care facilities. Afghan donations and/or yarn will be collected through Dec. 14 at the COSA office, 206 Eddystone Avenue, second floor, Eddystone. Volunteer ombudsmen will deliver the afghans to two local long-term care facilities on Dec. 20.
Sadly, 60 percent of nursing home residents do not receive visitors, even on special occasions such as holidays.
“The afghans not only warm the individual during the winter season, but they also bring comfort and joy to seniors who might experience loneliness during the holiday season,” said COSA Ombudsman Coordinator, Rahmah Allen.
This marks the eleventh year the Ombudsman Program has sponsored this Afghan Drive. The first year, the ombudsmen delivered afghans to 120 residents at one skilled care facility. This year, their goal is to deliver 97 afghans to Conner-Williams Nursing Home and Fair Acres Geriatric Center.
Any size afghan donation is appreciated. Dimensions that work well with those confined to wheelchairs range from 35-40 inches squared. Anyone interested in donating afghans or yarn may drop them off at COSA until Dec. 14. during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Rahmah Allen: 610 872-1868.
The COSA Ombudsman Program assists seniors with complaints made about long-term care services in nursing, boarding and private facilities.