For the second year, Care Resources will host its Christmas in July donation drive to collect a variety of items for the older adults it serves in West Michigan.
The community-based program, which promotes healthy and independent living while working to prevent nursing home placement, is in need of donations such as personal hygiene products, activity books and household essentials. Item donations will go toward the nonprofit’s Bingo Store, which allows bingo winners to “shop” for basic care products and other fun items.
The organization is also looking for tax-deductible monetary donations to support greater needs to improve the quality of life and ensure participants can stay safe in their homes. The nonprofit is raising funds to be able to purchase household items such as air conditioning units and new mattresses, among other large items.
“Our participants often live on a very limited income, which can make it difficult to purchase the basics they need,” said Care Resources Office Manager Karen Altom. “It’s doubly hard when they need a bigger ticket item. Donations from the community ensure we can provide access to the essentials our participants need, as well as other items that spark joy.”
Care Resources is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE®, which is funded by Medicare and Medicaid to provide affordable medical care and home health services to eligible older adults 55 years and older. The program also offers opportunities that promote socialization, build community and offer respite to caregivers.
While donations for participants are always accepted, most come in during winter when people are more in the giving spirit. The Christmas in July initiative underscores the need for donations year-round.
A list of suggested items include:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Bar soap and body wash
- Laundry, dish and hand soap
- Deodorant
- Toilet paper
- Towels and wash cloths
- Batters (AA and AAA)
- High-quality mop and bucket
- Paper towels
- Fragrance disinfectant
- Degreasers
- Scented trash bags
- Swiffer dusters
- Puzzles (large size pieces)
- Coloring pencils, pens and crayons
- Sticker sheets
- Adult color books
- Board games
- Notebooks
- Colorful ribbons
Individuals may donate through the nonprofit’s Amazon Wishlist or drop off donations at the following locations during business hours:
- Care Resources PACE Grand Rapids – 4150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Care Resources PACE Lowell – 11730 Fulton St. E, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Sabo PR – 44 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Suite 300, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monetary donations will go to support larger items for participants in need. Altom underscored that gifts of $10 and $25 are deeply appreciated and used to find items such as:
- Bedsheets (all sizes)
- Mattress protectors (all sizes)
- Fans
- Air fryers
- Countertop microwaves
More information is available at CareResources.org.
To download the full press release, click here.
Last updated 7.8.2025 I H5610_WEB
