Sedona, AZ — It is hard to imagine that in this country of such incredible wealth and privilege that there are shut-in elderly rocking aimlessly, cold and alone.
There are many Angels that walk among us, one lead others to do something about it. She spoke for these lonely ones; she called out to the best part of us all; she rallied an army of people who decided it was not all right for some of us to have nothing on Christmas Eve.
The home of Brenda Cosse became a workshop, a warehouse, a warm den where dozens of volunteers over the weeks leading to this holy day came to drop off and sort, wrap and wonder at what can happen when love heeds the call for mercy.
Dozens were touched by this experience and hundreds heard the call; Through local organizations and many individuals more than 2,000 items were anonymously donated. Just to mention and thank a few of the organizations; Sedona Women, Sedona Visual Artists Coalition, The Unity Church, Verde Valley Christian Church, and the Pet Kingdom in Cottonwood. Dentists who provided toothbrushes and toothpaste were; Brant Oxford, Don Gage, David Bill, Ted Byers and Michael Robertson. New Frontiers, Webers IGA, and Bashas donated the needed paper bags for each recipient. Lon Walters Realty provided the truck need to transport these gifts. The Verde Valley papers helped enormously with their articles helping stimulate an abundance of participation and generosity from individuals throughout the Verde Valley.
Volunteers rallied to sort and package 480 gift bags containing simple items such as; lap blankets or towels, slippers, socks and toiletries, wrapped and beribboned, in hopes of generating a ray of warmth to help a soul, grey with time, through another holiday that can seem just a little too long and a little too empty.
From this wealth of giving, the goal of distributing gifts to everyone on the Meals on Wheels program throughout the Verde Valley was met. The Elderly Christmas Gift Program was successful because of this generous community we live in – you know who you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
If you have questions or want to participate next year, contact Brenda at 282-1524.