BY SUSAN NOACK, CHAIR, TUALATIN AREA AGING TASK FORCE
The holiday season has begun and social isolation becomes magnified to those less fortunate, in need or alone. As a community, let us not forget how we can help our senior citizens and families who may be struggling.
First, we can help each other in a personal way – be aware of your neighbors, especially if they are alone or elderly. Watch for lights to come on in the evening, activity in and out of the home. If anything looks amiss, check it out. Are newspapers still in the driveway, mail in the mailbox? It’s not interfering to knock on the door to check on someone. It is a show of kindness. It only takes a minute to keep your eyes open. If you have concerns, you can always call the Police Department at 503-691- 4800 to ask for a wellness check. Our police officers are trained and prepared to do this.
Second, Tualatin is very lucky to have several non-profit organizations that can help us help others whether they are our seniors or families and children in need. When you are grocery shopping for holiday dinners, pick up extras for the School House Pantry. When you are cleaning out your closets, donate your gently used clothes to the Caring Closet for our homeless children and children in need. When you buy a new piece of furniture, new pots and pans or kitchen items, or a new bed, donate your old ones to Community Warehouse.