Christian Peterson
Riverbend News

Christmas time, the season for giving, is almost here. This season, 15-year-old Rhiane Hart-Vasey has a plan to warm the hearts of seniors. Many seniors in nursing homes are forced to spend Christmas alone, whether that be due to COVID or not having any family to celebrate with. Socks for Seniors is a good way to show care for the elderly throughout the community. In the past, Hart-Vasey had done the event by herself. However, she feels the desire to once again give small “gifts of love” to those in need this season, this time with a much bigger scope. Originally, Hart-Vasey had saved enough money the previous year to purchase socks, candy canes and Christmas cards. This year, Hart-Vasey is looking for more hope and love to share with local seniors. The goal is for community members to donate items, such as fuzzy socks, hats, coats or even money so warm gifts can be purchased and distributed. Hart-Vasey has a goal of $2,000 to provide items and bags to seniors. There are 735 residents in assisted care living facilities and nursing homes around Suwannee, Lafayette and Hamilton Counties. Hart-Vasey will keep packing bags and making more as long as donations come in. The fundraiser started on Saturday, Oct. 30, and will end on Tuesday, Nov. 30. To help donate, contact Katrina Hart-Vasey through Facebook at facebook.com/kvasey1.