Community effort designed to bring cheer to North County seniors and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness which are so prevalent for many during the holidays; Begins ‘Giving Tuesday’ Nov. 30, 2021; Public can drop-off items or donate to Go Fund Me site

San Marcos CA— Beginning Nov. 30, the nonprofit Gary and Mary West PACE will host their annual collection campaign called “Everyday Necessities Drive for North County Seniors.” The organizers encourage San Diego County businesses, community groups, and individuals to donate new and unused care items that will be assembled into holiday gift packages and new year bundles.
Their goal is to collect hundreds of items to create 200 bundles which will be gifted to vulnerable North San Diego County seniors with chronic care needs who rely on West PACE and community partners for high-quality, comprehensive, and coordinated healthcare, social services which help them successfully age in place rather than in a nursing home. This year’s wish list includes warm clothing accessories such as scarves, mittens, gloves, socks (grip resistant); fleece blankets; lip balm; hand soap; men’s undershirts; and toothpaste and toothbrushes. A complete wish list of gift ideas is available on the West PACE website, westpace.org.
This year, West PACE will introduce a new element called “Adopt-A-Senior.” West PACE and its community partners will identify 15-20 homebound seniors with extraordinary needs. The public can contribute monetary donations through a Go Fund Me page to fulfill the needs of the select seniors who live in the communities of San Marcos, Vista, Escondido, Ramona, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and other adjacent areas. At the end of the campaign, West PACE and community partners will use the funds to purchase the items on the seniors’ wish list, as well as supplement the holiday bundles.
“Last year’s drive was successful, and we are excited to expand the collection efforts to help even more seniors who live in the region,” says Rena Smith, executive director, West PACE. “The generosity of our North County San Diego neighbors is incredible.”
Items can be dropped off at the West PACE center, located at 1706 Descanso Avenue in San Marcos during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., through Dec. 18, 2021. Organizers also plan to host a drive-up collection event at West PACE on Friday, Dec. 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. All donors who drive-in to drop-off items at West PACE will receive a coffee and a holiday treat.
Local companies, individuals, and groups have already come on board to support the second-annual “Everyday Necessities Drive for North County Seniors” hosted by West PACE. They include Bryan Devore – Devore Realty Group, Foundation for Senior Care, Foundation for Senior Wellbeing, Qualicare, Rachel Currington, San Diego North Economic Development Council, Uni Care Hospice, Wakeland – The Grove and West Health.
Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, is a model of person-centered care that has been shown to reduce rates of emergency room visits, unnecessary hospital admissions, long-term nursing home placements, and reduce the cost of care and the strain on family caregivers. Over 90 percent of PACE participants are able to successfully remain in their homes and communities, many live longer, are more socially engaged and have a better quality of life than those in nursing homes or other institutional settings.
West PACE provides a wide range of services including adult day programs, medical care, social services, dentistry, home care and physical, occupational and speech therapy. Transportation to and from the center and outside medical appointments is provided, as well as social activities, meals, pharmacy, long-term services and supports, and caregiver training and support groups. All services are managed by an interdisciplinary care team to ensure the coordination of care and clear communication to participants and their families.
Medicare and Medi-Cal reimburse PACE for care. If participants are enrolled in Medicare and Medi-Cal, they will pay nothing, or they will pay their Medi-Cal “share of cost.” The program also accepts people enrolled only in Medi-Cal and people who want to pay privately. There are thousands of seniors in the area that may be eligible for enrollment in West PACE. To apply or learn more about eligibility, contact West PACE at (760) 280-2230.

About Gary and Mary West PACE

Established with a grant from the Gary and Mary West Foundation, West PACE is a program providing all the care and services for older adults and people over age 55 who live in North County San Diego and meet state requirements for nursing home level of care as covered by Medicare and Medi-Cal and as authorized by the interdisciplinary team. If participants are enrolled in Medicare and Medi-Cal, they will pay nothing, or they will pay their Medi-Cal “share of cost.” The program also accepts people enrolled only in Medi-Cal and people who want to pay privately. To apply or learn more about eligibility, contact Gary and Mary West PACE at (760) 280-2230 or visit their website at www.westpace.org.