Seasonal programs can help seniors during winter months

There is a nip in the air. Leaves are starting to turn. No white shoes after Labor Day. All of these are signs that the season is getting ready to change. With the change to cooler seasons there are several programs available older folks.

- Fuel Assistance is designed to help pay heating bills. Application dates are Oct. 13 through Nov. 13.
- Crisis Assistance assists with emergency situations when there is no heat or imminent danger of being without heat such as cut off notices, heating equipment repair, service and/or replacement. Application dates are Nov. 1 through March 15.

Applications and additional information for both programs maybe obtained from Culpeper Social Services -727-072.

- Senior Angel Tree applications will be accepted from Sept. 25 to Oct. 30 with distribution in mid-December. For information on how to apply or if you would like to adopt a senior contact Doris Clatterbuck at 540-727-0372 ext 360.

- Thanksgiving Basket applications will be available at Culpeper Social Services, 219 E Davis St. Sept. 28 through Nov. 6. Baskets of non-perishable foods are put together and give to families in need for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The pick up date for the basket will be on Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. at St Stephens Episcopal Church, 115 N East St. For more information, or to volunteer to help with the program, callDick or Barbara Rosica at 825-8786.

- The Community Christmas Basket will be taking applications Oct. 1 through Nov. 13. Applications may be obtained at Culpeper Social Services, local banks, United Way and the Food Closet. Applications should be returned to Culpeper Community Christmas Basket Program, PO Box 574, Culpeper, VA 22701 by Oct. 31. Applicants will be contacted to confirm pickup or delivery. Volunteers are needed Dec. 16, 17 & 20th to sort, pack and deliver baskets. For more information, or to volunteer to help with the program, please contact Sue Jenkins at 825-7768.
- The USDA food distributions will be Oct. 17, Nov. 7, and Dec. 19 at the Culpeper United Methodist Church, 1233 Oaklawn Dr., from 9 to 11 a.m.

For more information or to volunteer to help with the program, contact Cherry Vanneman at 727-0372.

Let’s all do our part as a community to look after our senior neighbors, loved ones and friends and offer assistance where we can. Help them winterize their homes, rake leaves, clean gutters, or invite them to come along on a stroll. Autumn is a beautiful time of year and is even prettier when we can enjoy it together with friends!

This article is from the Culpeper County Team of Aging Together, working to support the county’s older citizens. The Team meets the first Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Reformation Lutheran Church. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information call Jenny Biche at 825-7615 ext 2225 or visit agingtogether.org.