The pandemic has been especially hard on senior citizens. Not only are they at greater risk to the effects of COVID-19, but the long-term isolation that prevention requires is also detrimental.
Thankfully, a community outreach organization affiliated with the electric co-ops around the state, SC WIRE (Women Involved in Rural Electrification) has again stepped into help those in greatest need. SC WIRE provided 600 bags of hygiene items for seniors across the state. The bags include items such as soaps, toothpaste, shampoos and brushes. Volunteers from the across the state filled the bags on March 22 at Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative in Lexington.
“This was a kind of a pick-me-up project for seniors,” said Peggy Dantzler, state coordinator for WIRE. “The pandemic has hit our older citizens the hardest, especially those in long term care facilities in rural communities. We just wanted them to know that they are not forgotten.”
WIRE works with the South Carolina Department on Aging to address the needs that these seniors have. The agency also distributes the donations to the facilities. Because visitation had been practically eliminated, WIRE volunteers were unable make their usual visit with Santa to one of the facilities.
“They have provided hope, light and joy to so many residents across the state,” says Dale Watson, state long-term care ombudsman for the SC Department on Aging. “We are forever grateful to the fantastic ladies of WIRE.”
Lynches River Electric is one of the 13 distribution cooperatives associated with WIRE. The supplies were purchased with funds raised by WIRE chapters at community events and their SC WIRE dues. You can support your local chapter and help with service projects such as this one by purchasing a World’s Finest Chocolate Bar for just $1 in the LREC drive-thru whenever they’re in stock.
If you are interested in joining WIRE, contact Lynches River Electric’s chapter coordinator Charlotte Childers by calling 843-67-6111.