Q. What is Surprises for Shut-ins?
A. The 38th annual Surprises for Shut-ins is a Christmas program of the Beaver County Office on Aging. It provides a bag of gifts and a friendly visit in December 2024 to isolated and homebound adults ages 60 and older who live in the community. They are identified by the Office on Aging as needing some special attention during the Christmas season.
Q. How can you help?
A. Through December 2, 2024, the Office on Aging is accepting monetary donations to purchase food, gifts, necessities and gift wrap supplies. Checks or money orders can be made payable to the Beaver County Office on Aging; a receipt will be issued. We CANNOT accept donated gifts. Donations can be mailed to the Beaver County Office on Aging, 1020 Eighth Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
Q. Do you accept donations of gift wrap and tape?
A. Yes. We do not accept bows as they get crushed in the gift bags. Gift wrap and tape can be dropped off at Center at the Mall, 284 Beaver Valley Mall Boulevard in Monaca, located in the Rural King corridor of the Beaver Valley Mall, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Q. Do you need help wrapping gifts?
A. Yes. Two wrapping open houses will be held at Center at the Mall. All gift wrap supplies, snacks and beverages will be provided. Come anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20 or Monday, December 2.
Q. Who can be contacted regarding the program?
A. Angela Gentile with the Office on Aging is the project coordinator. For more information, call (724) 847-2262 or (888) 548-2262; or email Angela at agentile@bcoa.us.
For the past 37 years, the Office on Aging has been amazed at the enormous generosity of the community and the hard work and dedication of volunteers and staff to help brighten the holiday season for many older adults. As a result, 13,502 gift deliveries have been made. Thank you for making a difference and spreading joy!