Vicky Olson and her Sonshine and Smiles service made Christmas stockings for seniors in Voorhees and Berlin nursing homes in December, an effort that will also be made at Easter.
Around the Christmas holiday, Olson put themed items, gifts, and candies in the stockings, and she will do the same for the April holiday with requested donations.
“We’re asking for items like candy eggs, Easter ornaments and decorations, stuffed bunnies and toiletries,’’ she said. “There’s also an Amazon wish list of items, and if people would rather donate money, that’s an option, too.”
Sonshine and Smiles has set up local dropoff locations that include Primo Water Ice in Voorhees and Westmont, Shine Salon in Berlin and Hope Church in Voorhees.
Olson’s service came about when she decided to help people feel loved and less lonely around the holidays. So far, it seems to be doing the trick.
“I know I like these give outs to continue throughout the year,” Olson explained. “We did personalized Valentine’s Day cards and Saint Patrick’s Day [in the past]. We’re also going to make Mothers and Fathers Day cards (and) maybe some 4th of July or other fun baskets through the summer months.”
Olson, who describes herself as a full-time volunteer, noted that the seniors’ reactions to the stockings are worth the hard work she puts in. She keeps none of the money; it is only to finance her future projects.
“Honestly, just going in and seeing smiling faces, it’s such a reward in and of itself,” Olson noted. “It’s very worthwhile for all of the work that goes into it.”
Other projects Olson works on include collection baskets for troops overseas and “Pick-Me-Up” jars for essential health workers, police, fire and EMS. Additional information is available on the Sonshine and Smiles Facebook page.
Donations for this year’s Easter basket collection will end April 1. They will go to residents at Promedica Voorhees and West Deptford.
