Appanoose County Silver and Gold Christmas

It is Sieda’s hope to ease the burdens of a financially and emotionally difficult time a year for senior homes in our community. There are well over 300 seniors (60+) in Appanoose struggling below the 100% poverty line. And many more at the Sieda’s Christmas program line of 175% of the poverty level. That number nearly doubles. 

Hence, Sieda provides food gift bags during the Appanoose County Silver and Gold Christmas Program. Sieda purchased food with our funds and a monetary donation from Southern Iowa Electric and John Deere. Our CAP (Community Action Program) Specialists Michelea and Alex did a great job of getting the bags ready. Items included were ham, canned vegetables and fruit, broth, gravy, noodles, Jell-O, potatoes, and stuffing.

Above all, CAPS Michelea and Regina were able to hand out bags to a total of 133 homes. That number went up again since last year’s program. Food was distributed to 165 seniors living in Appanoose County. They could sign-up if they are automatic LIHEAP (Heating Assistance) senior households. Meaning they are 60-year-olds and up and living in a home with a fixed income from year to year.

With this program growing, any help we get is a blessing. Thanks again to the Southern Iowa Electric and John Deere for their contribution and the businesses that handled our large food orders. We hope to make an even bigger difference next year.

Appanoose County Operation Santa

In addition, our Sieda clients are also blessed by a community that provides gifts to children through the Appanoose County Operation Santa. Over 26% of the children in Appanoose County live below the 100% poverty line. Qualified families with children 0 to 18 years-old can apply to this program. This year 157 homes were assisted with gifts for their children. That is an amazing 375 children that the area adopted and provided gifts. It is wonderful to be a part of the Appanoose community.