Council on Aging seeks assistance from residents
By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter

Shrewsbury - The Shrewsbury Council on Aging (COA) has created an extensive wish list full of items it needs to help support the town's senior population.

COA Director Sharon Yager said of the many items on the list, the greatest need is for a new automated external defibrillator (AED), the device used to restore normal heart rhythm to patients in cardiac arrest.

Although the COA does have an AED, Yager said, it needs to be replaced.

"Even though it's fairly new, the technology is such that it has already become obsolete," Yager said. "We're hoping maybe a doctor or medical supply firm might step forward, or someone who has a family member who has been saved by a defibrillator or unfortunately passed away from heart disease, who would like to donate an AED in their honor."

Like many other departments in town, Yager said she's just hoping the COA budget receives level funding to continue what it's doing, rather than expecting any increased funding for the items on the list.

The current TV at the Senior Center needs to be replaced as well, and Yager said she hopes someone will be able to help them find a store willing to either donate or discount the price of a new one.

One unlikely item on the list is a Nintendo Wii gaming system, an item that Yager said is really catching on at senior centers.

"The bowling, tennis and fishing games really help to encourage fluid movement, which is really good for them," Yager said, "and they're also a lot of fun."

Although she'd love for someone to donate a Nintendo Wii for the center, Yager said, it's hardly the most critical area of need.

Donations of gift cards from grocery stores, BJ's Wholesale Club, Bed Bath and Beyond, and auto parts stores and gas cards for Meal on Wheels drivers free up money that the COA can use in other areas.

She also hopes people will make financial donations that can be used to help seniors pay their energy bills this winter, something Yager said will eliminate the tough choices some seniors have to make.

"A lot of people who are juggling to pay their heating bills might have to give up food shopping or not fill up their gas tank," she said. "Even $10 or $15 can really help, even if it just allows them to pick up a prescription."

Contributions don't have to be limited to money. The list also includes ways that people can donate their time, including accompanying people to doctors' appointments, performing yard work and shoveling for seniors, along with volunteering to help with the center's book recycling program.

Used books, cell phones and button batteries (found in hearing aids) can all be dropped off at the Senior Center. The items will be sent to various recycling programs, which will reimburse the center based on volume.

A complete list of items needed by the COA can be found on the website at www. shrewsbury-ma.gov/councilonaging.

"This is a way to give back in a very unique way and every bit helps," Yager said.