When was the last time you gave human dignity as a gift?

This year Senior Citizens, Inc. will offer you another opportunity to give human dignity, but you won’t find that phrase written on any of the paper ornament gift tags.

Instead you will find such needed items as cleaning products or liquid meals or disposable underwear.

"The people who receive them are so grateful for these items, because they often times don’t have the money to get them. That’s when cleaning products or personal care items become a welcomed gift," said Sonya Hovis, the secretary in Senior Citizens’ case management office.

Mrs. Hovis has coordinated the Giving Tree for the agency for four years. She sets out the Christmas Tree and hand-cut paper ornaments, not just once, but twice a year. The tree is up for the holidays and again in July.

“We do this twice a year, so that we can assist older adults who need help. We set up our Giving Tree in July to keep our Every Day Food Pantry stocked for emergency needs throughout the year,” said Mrs. Hovis.

Participants can take a gift tag from one of the giving trees at the Hamilton Senior Center, 140 Ross Ave., the Fairfield Senior Center, 536 Patterson Drive, or the West Chester Senior Center, 9090 Cox Road.

After the gift is bought, bring it and the gift tag to the center.

A special needs list also exists. Senior Citizens Inc. could accept gently used vaccum cleaners, dehumidifiers and a washer and a dryer that have been requested by the older adults they serve.

Last year over 200 people were helped at Christmas and another 200 people received items from the food pantry.

Participants can take a gift tag from one of the giving trees at the Hamilton Senior Center, 140 Ross Ave., the Fairfield Senior Center, 536 Patterson Drive, or the West Chester Senior Center, 9090 Cox Road.

After the gift is bought, bring it and the gift tag to the center.

For more information call Mrs. Hovis at 867-1998 ext. 355.