GALT, CA (MPG) - The Galt Commission on Aging is calling on the community to help it provide warm blankets and socks for local older adults.

The commission is looking to collect 350 blankets and 350 pairs of socks, which it plans to distribute to residents of nursing homes and senior apartments around the city. It is requesting new blankets and socks. 

Blankets can be either hand-made or store-bought.

Barrels for donations are at four locations: Stratton’s Pizzeria (330 S. Lincoln Way), The Coffee Shop Bakery (239 Fourth St.), Fitness Pro (550 Industrial Drive) and Chabolla Community Center (600 Chabolla Ave.) The donation deadline is Dec. 2.

Commissioner Libby Robinson said the blanket drive is about more than the blankets and socks themselves.

“It’s making people warm, I suppose, but it’s also just having a gift and somebody to deliver it to them because our goal for most of the homes is to deliver it directly to the residents, to have a visit from somebody and companionship for each resident. Some have family close by; some don’t,” Robinson said.

Robinson has fond memories of the last time she helped with the blanket drive.

“The town came out and really donated quite a few (blankets),” Robinson said. “We ended up with extra blankets. … And it was very rewarding to see people be so happy about a blanket.”

The Valhalla Club, a recently founded charitable organization, is chipping in this year by donating activity books and magnifying glasses.

The Galt Youth Commission will assist with the distribution, which Robinson said gives youth and older adults a chance to spend time together.

For more information, contact the Galt Senior Resource Center at 209-294-3308 or [email protected].