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POLK COUNTY—A wide variety of items are being collected for the annual Christmas Cheer on Wheels event, organized by Polk County Senior Services.

Soaps, toothbrushes, washcloths, socks and more are needed for the event, in which shoeboxes containing the items are given to seniors who are on the Meals on Wheels program.

Donations for the event can be dropped off at The Meeting Place, located at 75 Carmel Ln. in Columbus, or either of the Polk County Public Libraries located in Columbus or Saluda. Residents can also take donated items to the county manager’s office in the Womack Building in downtown Columbus.

In the coming weeks, Polk County Senior Services will be accepting puzzles, pens, sugar-free candies and chocolates, and gender-neutral stocking stuffers and socks to help bring a bit of holiday cheer to area seniors. It is also still accepting empty shoeboxes and toiletries for the event.

“A lot of the folks who will be getting these gifts are home-bound, and often may not have regular visitors,” said Julie Jolley, the activities coordinator for Polk County Senior Services. “This is a great way to make a difference in the life of a senior citizen in Polk County this holiday season!”

Community members who’d like to make their own box for donation can wrap the top and bottom of an empty shoebox separately and fill it with unopened gifts, such as personal hygiene items, games, Christmas cards and ornaments, coffee mugs and other knick-knacks, and deliver it to one of the drop-off points.

Donations will be accepted until December 15. For more information, call The Meeting Place at (828) 894-0001.