Dr. Shanna May and Troy Eye Care are hoping to make Christmas a little bit brighter for people in group homes across the area.

May said she began the annual drive three years ago by chance when she got a list of what the group home residents needed.

“I asked the aides there for a list and they gave me a list that had undergarments, shoes, socks and basic clothing on it,” May said. “I was just going to do it myself but I put something on Facebook one day and had a big response back from people wanting to know what items they could get, so we ended up with a tree-full of items we could take them.”

May continued the tradition last year with more basic supplies and said there is now a need for some different items.

“We mostly covered their basic needs – they should have a lot of clothing that is still in good shape,” May said. “Last year I was able to actually take the gifts to them and it made me realize they need some larger items, basic furniture items and things to help them pass the time.”

May said the residents in the group homes don’t have many opportunities to get gifts.

“Some of them don’t have family members; they’re either sent to these homes and live there or some have outlived parents,” May said. “I asked some of the people that help take care of them whether they get gifts and they said they don’t really have anyone to give them gifts at Christmas. Many of them have a childlike mentality, so gifts are very exciting to them.”

May said the preferred items this year are new or gently used furniture pieces or monetary donations that can be used to purchase the items for the group home residents.

“I asked the aide this year for a list of larger items that, if we had enough response, we could provide for them,” May said. “Some of them are asking for kitchen tables and chairs, a sofa for their living room, pots and pans – essential living items they don’t have or that are very worn out.”

May said monetary donations or donations of small items can be donated at Troy Eye Care on Elba Highway or pick-up can be arranged by contacting May at drmay@troyeyecare.com.

“If you’re looking for a place to give this Christmastime, every penny goes directly toward helping these people,” May said. “We take every penny and put it with ours and try to fill some wishes on their list. I think it’s important for people to realize that there are a lot of good places to give at Christmas, but there are a lot of people in our own county that need help.”

May said donations need to be in by end of day Friday, December 21 so that the items can be delivered in time for Christmas.