Shoebox drive to help local seniors in need

East County residents wishing to spread holiday cheer and wishes to local senior citizens can help provide shoeboxes filled with treats to brighten their holiday season.

The annual Community Shoebox Drive and Reception will be held from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 18, at the Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch.

Organizers are asking individuals to fill shoeboxes with items such as toiletries, slippers, socks, books, puzzles, playing cards, lotions, pens and hard candy to be distributed to senior citizens in need for the holidays.

Admission to the reception event is a shoebox filled with goodies or a donation of $20 to Meals on Wheels PLUS. Entry includes one free drink for each donated shoebox. Festivities include live music, free food, a visit from Santa and raffle prizes.

To prepare the shoebox, wrap the top and bottom of a shoebox separately in Christmas wrapping paper.

Once the box is wrapped and filled, place a rubber band around the shoebox and attach a tag designating whether the box is for a man or woman or is gender-neutral.