Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The UAMS Center on Aging Northeast is once again collecting warm items for seniors this holiday season.

This will be the third year the center has hosted its Blanket and Sock Drive, and the second year the center has taken the donation drive statewide. It began as a drive exclusive to Northeast Arkansas, but grew to include all of the UAMS Centers on Aging across Arkansas.

“I just saw a big need for it in our community,” said Kaitlyn Weathers, community health worker at UAMS Center for Aging Northeast. “I just noticed that there tended to be more loneliness and isolation during the holiday season, so I just wanted to something to hopefully cheer older adults up.”

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The center is looking for new or gently used donations of blankets, and new socks. It will not accept any monetary donations. There is no set donation goal, but Weathers said last year, the center received around 280 socks and blankets.

Donations made to the Northeast Arkansas center will stay in the area, with Weathers noting that the center always tries to keep some of its donations in Craighead County. From there, the remaining donations will be distributed to the other counties the center serves. Weathers said she works with activity directors and social workers at various senior care facilities to ensure adults who do not receive many visitors get a gift.

Those wanting to volunteer can assist with sorting donations, Weathers said. Interested individuals can contact Weathers at 870-207-7588 or at kweathers@uams.edu.

Donations will be accepted through Nov. 20, and can be dropped off at the following locations:

  • Southern Caregivers of Jonesboro, 2205 Race St., Jonesboro
  • UAMS Center on Aging Northeast, 4508 S. Stadium Blvd., Suite E-F, Jonesboro
  • St. Bernards Senior Clinic, 303 E. Matthews Ave., Jonesboro
  • UAMS Regional Clinic, 311 E. Matthews Ave., Jonesboro
  • Unique Ink, 1320 Red Wolf Blvd., Suite G, Jonesboro
  • Absolute Care Agency, 1311 Stone St., Jonesboro
  • Absolute Care Corporate, 912 Osler Drive, Suite C, Jonesboro
  • Bono Senior Center, 111 E. College St., Bono
  • AIM Daycare/BAM Haircuts, 4803 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro

“The Blanket and Sock Drive was created to support isolated older adults who may have limited resources or little social support, particularly during the holiday season,” Weathers said in an email. “Donations of new blankets and socks help provide comfort, warmth, and a reminder that their community cares about them.”

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