Sieda Community Action has the Silver Bells Program for seniors in Wapello County. The program provides a food bag from Sieda and other donors. Plus, a bag of gift items for men and women from Grace Church.

Why?

For 2021, Sieda served nearly 900 seniors (60+) in Wapello County with our programs [1]. For a large portion of the seniors Sieda helps, are automatically qualified for Heating Assistance (LIHEAP) due to being on a fixed livelihood (ex: SSI, SSDI) that stays the same every year. That means a single person below the 200% income level is making less than $29,160 a year, or for two people, it is $39,440 [2]. For this reason, pre-qualified low-income senior households have the chance to sign-up for the Silver Bells Program.

Community in Action!

This program is a joint effort due to several businesses and Grace Church. The distribution is a drive-thru to make it easier for seniors.

First, Sieda’s bags of food are put together with our funds and donations.  Principal Financial Group of Ottumwa staff were kind enough to give their time once again this year to help pack the orange food bags. Thanks for your hard work year after year.  Fareway was kind enough to handle our large food orders. 315 households received bags with food. Items included were ham, canned vegetables and fruit, broth, gravy, noodles, dessert items, potatoes, butter, jello, and more.

Second, Grace Church in Ottumwa filled their bags with warmth. The great people at Grace bought and packaged mittens, socks, and blankets for 131 men and 196 women. They brought gifts for 327 individuals, for homes that have 2 seniors. There was a great need again this year.

Thank You

Thanks to our staff and other volunteers that helped make it a success! We received many thank yous, smiles, and appreciation from the seniors that picked up their gift bags. That is for all those that helped with Silver Bells. 

[1] Sieda Community Action 2021 Client Demographics, Wapello, Natalie Aeschliman

[2] Current Poverty Guidelines