The 10th Annual Stuff-a-Bus for Seniors event was a huge success seeing an RTC Washoe electric bus filled with all sorts of things Seniors in need could use.
Several hundred people dropped off items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, cleaning products, sweat pants and shorts, socks, blankets, jackets, books, shoes, movie passes, RTC Ride tickets, gift cards and more. The event collected over $10,000 worth of supplies Case Managers and Social Workers at Washoe County Senior Services will hand out to Seniors in need during the next year.
“Washoe County residents having the most giving hearts when they is a need,” Reno Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Chairman Paco Lachoy told KOLO TV news anchor Denise Wong who was covering the event live. “I am grateful to the community for turning out as it has to support Seniors in need!”
Nevada Health Link and Prominence Medicare Advantage Plan contributed to the event in support of Seniors in Need. One provided health care products and the other provided personal hygiene products.
Donations of a variety of things, all which must be new, can be taken to the Washoe County Senior Center, 1155 East Ninth (corner of East Ninth and Sutro) all year long. Donation of gift cards are always welcome as County staff will go and get a Senior what they might need and take it to them, especially those Seniors who are homebound according to Joti Bhakta, Senior Services Supervisor.
“We had a man come into the (Senior) Center with a torn old worn out jacket and no socks one day,” Ms. Bhakta said. “He really wasn’t there seeking anything except maybe some warmth and lunch. Staff said “let us get you a jacket and some socks.”
Ms. Bhakta said the man was so grateful all he could say was thank you. That is just an example of how events like Stuff-a-Bus help Seniors.
The Senior Stuff a bus was started in 2014 by former Reno Council Member Neoma Jardon. She partner with the County Senior Services who are charged with providing the social services side of the needs Senior may have as the age. Toady the annual event during Older Americans Month is spearheaded by the Human Services Agency Seniors division in partnership with the City of Reno, City of Sparks, RTC Washoe and KOLO.