Efforts of Kristen Scott, SPHS students lauded

To the Editor:

High school students around the Wabash Valley are showing their giving spirit by donating to and making up "Baskets of Cheer" for many elderly clients of Area 7 Agency on Aging and Disabled.

West Vigo High School in West Terre Haute, who is spearheading the effort, has been joined by many other schools and organizations in collecting items such as laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, facial tissues and paper towels along with laundry baskets to make up the "baskets of cheer" for senior citizens who are on a fixed income or who have difficulty acquiring these items.

When South Putnam High School teacher Kristen Scott heard about the project, she got her students involved in creating baskets for Putnam County clients of Area 7.

Ms. Scott shared, "When the students found out about the project, they really got behind it." They provided 32 "baskets of cheer" for the seniors in Putnam County.

Area 7 Agency on Aging and Disabled wants to thank all of the schools --especially West Vigo High School and South Putnam High School -- for making these "baskets of cheer" possible.

We have received messages from some of the basket recipients about how grateful and appreciative they are to have received these baskets.

Other schools and organizations involved included: Mount Pleasant Church North Campus, West Vigo High School, West Vigo Middle School, Franklin Elementary, Lost Creek Elementary, Lady Rex Softball Team, Mrs. Deady's Kindergarten Class at Dixie Bee Elementary, Terre Haute South High School DECA, Terre Haute South High School Dean's Office, Vikes 'n Tikes Childcare Center at West Vigo, Infant and Toddler Services at Hamilton Center, South Putnam High School - Kristen Scott, North Central High School -- Mrs. Payne, and all other organizations and individuals who donated and assisted in assembling the baskets.

We are fortunate to be able to share the giving spirit of the Wabash Valley with our senior clients. Knowing the financial difficulty many are experiencing this year --especially elderly on a fixed income, our clients feel they are blessed by the sharing of others.

We want to again extend our heartfelt thanks for the efforts of Cathy Herrin, Kristen Scott, all of the students and everyone who donated items or time to this project.

Gloria Wetnight

Assistant director for programs

Area 7 Agency on Aging and

Disabled