Lend a Helping Hand for Local Seniors this Holiday Season

Residents at Bougainvillea Estates in Desert Hot Springs are asking for a helping hand this Thanksgiving.

Seniors at the mobile home park are remembering the nice gestures neighbors have done in the past. Tally West, a senior, who has lived at the mobile home park for the past 11 years expresses what it means to receive a home cooked meal for Thanksgiving.

“It means alot really cause I don’t have any cooking facility where I live so it helps out alot," said West.

Ms. West said many seniors don't ask for assistance around the holidays.

“There’s alot of seniors here and so of them do need help but they won't ask and I am one of them," said West.

She said they don't ask for help not because of pride but its just the way they are and what neighbors hope to receive this thanksgiving.

“To spend time with you and talk, its hard when you retire because you are so used to being around people and then all of sudden..boom you aren’t anymore," said West.

Amie Sword, a resident of the mobile home park, has participated in Thanksgiving dinner for the past two years and have seen the need.

“ We have had a senior citizen pass away here without anyone noticing and we had people here go without thanksgiving because they are low income without doing anything," said Sword.

Mrs. Sword advises how the community can help.

“It really makes a difference if you can come cook or talk to them. Alot of these people just want someone spend time with to share their stories with," said Sword.

Residents are asking for help as they prepare for their Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday night. Food can be dropped off at Bougainvillea Estates Community Center starting at 10 A.M. on Wednesday.

Also, consider other local senior centers in the community that would appreciate any helpful hand this holiday season.