CHEER centers asking for donations for Operation Christmas CHEER program, seniors needy of essential items

SUSSEX COUNTY- The CHEER community centers in Sussex County are asking for donations to help give seniors a memorable Christmas.

The Program Director for Operation Christmas CHEER said for nearly 30 years they have been going to seniors houses on Christmas day delivering hot meals and gifts.

Seniors that they deliver to usually spend the holiday alone, and this year some need this assistance even more due to the pandemic.

As for donations we’re told, they are really looking for essential items because that’s what many seniors need right now.

“The fact that a lot of them aren’t coming out because they are really nervous and they don’t get to the grocery stores the way that they did before they are in desperate need, especially those who don’t have family here inSsussex County or that cant come from another state due to the pandemic,” Robin Greene, CHEER, Center Program Director, said.

We are told for the event on Christmas day volunteers usually come in and pick up the donations and go give them to seniors at their homes.

This year that will look different.

Volunteers will pick up donations curbside, everyone will need to wear gloves and a mask, and all donations will go through a disinfecting process.