Gift drive nears end

Packaging and delivery times for this year's Linda Hayes Nursing Home Gift Drive have been announced and there is still a little time left to get those presents in.

The goal of the fourth annual drive is to make sure that all 310 nursing home residents in Bedford County are not forgotten during the Christmas season.

Packaging for the gifts will take place Thursday at Living Stones Community Church, 304 Old Nashville Dirt Road, starting at 5:30 p.m.

On Monday, organizer Lindsey Sudberry thanked those who have donated and said that the cutoff date for gifts has been moved ahead one day to this Wednesday.

Volunteers will be heading out to the nursing homes to deliver the gifts Saturday. First stop will be at Christian Care Center (formerly Bedford County Nursing Home) at 835 Union St. at 9 a.m.

At 10:30 that morning, Santa will pay a visit to Celebration Way Assisted Living, 895 Union St., and the third and fourth stops are set for 11:30 a.m. at Carriage House Inn / The Heart Remembers, 311 Colloredo Blvd.

After a break for lunch, the final stop will be at Glen Oaks, 1101 Glen Oaks Road, starting at 2 p.m.

"Anyone that would like to volunteer would be greatly appreciated," Sudberry said. "You can join us for the entire day or just one or two stops if that is all you have time for."

Sudberry said that organizers would love for as many people as possible to take part. Call Sudberry at 619-1906 with any questions.

Dropoff points for the gifts are:

* Antiques, Arts and Collectibles Mall - 121 South Side Square

* Duck River Electric Membership Corp. - 1411 Madison St.

* Heritage South Community Credit Union - 763 N. Main St.

* New Covenant Christian Bookstore - 800 N. Main St.

* Omni Center - 920 Colloredo Blvd.

* Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System - 308 S. Main St.

* Shelbyville Times-Gazette - 323 E. Depot St.

* Titan Transfer - 1200 Stanley Blvd.

* The Express - 408 Madison St.

* Vera's Pearl's - Railroad Square, Bell Buckle (box in booth 21)

Sudberry will pick up donations for those who can't take them to the dropoff points.

Any cash donations will go directly for gifts, while all packaging, labor and time toward the project being donated.

Top gift suggestions are facial tissues, slippers, socks, scarves and hats, as well as blankets and robes.

Other suggested items are room decor (sit-arounds are suggested), stuffed animals, (the types that sing Christmas songs are a favorite) and wall hangings such as clocks.

Also welcomed are games, stationery, calendars, books, puzzles and cards.

Sudberry asked that people not donate lotion, lip balm or food items and candy, due to the possibility of allergies and dietary concerns. It is also requested that gifts be unwrapped.

The gift drive is named in honor of Lindsey's late grandmother, who was the inspiration for the effort. Linda Hayes, who worked at Celebration Way and also did hair for nursing home residents, passed away in 2007.