Financially and emotionally, this is a difficult time of year for senior homes in our community. Over 240 seniors (60+) in Appanoose struggle below the 100% poverty line [1]. Hundreds more seniors under 200% of the poverty level qualify for Sieda’s LIHEAP and senior food program.

Thus, Sieda provides food bags to seniors that enroll in Appanoose County Silver Bells Program for the holidays. Food items were given, such as ham, canned vegetables and fruit, broth, noodles, potatoes, jello, stuffing, and more. Thanks to Fareway handling our large food orders. Plus, thank you to our volunteers that came to pack bags and distribute them. Any help we get is a blessing.

Volunteers and staff packed 149 food bags for senior homes in Appanoose County. The number dropped slightly from 175 homes last year. This year’s number mirrors, more closely, the 2020 Silver Bell’s number of 145. 

The seniors who can sign-up 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 (example: SSI, SSDI). Sieda, in 2021, served 441 60-year-olds and older in Appanoose county [2]. That number increased to over 500 in 2022.

Appanoose County Operation Santa

Likewise, the community blesses our Sieda clients by providing gifts to children through the Appanoose County Operation Santa. Sieda is glad to help give and collect applications. For 2020, 30.2% or 825 youth under 18 years old in Appanoose County live below the 100% poverty line [1]. These numbers have increased from 706 and 26.4% in 2019. Qualified families with children under 18 can apply to this program. Hundreds of children were adopted and provided gifts.

It is excellent to be a part of the caring Appanoose community.