Donations needed for older adults in nursing homes
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 11, 2025 – To combat social isolation and loneliness among older adults, the Senior Adult Community Engagement Project (SACE) at Common Ground Health is helping older adults in nursing homes know that they are not forgotten.
For three years, SACE senior volunteers have assembled and delivered “Not Forgotten” bags to nursing-home residents in our community’s most under-resourced areas. This year, as need is increasing, volunteers have set a goal of providing 250 bags, up from 175 last year. These bags include new items that seniors living on Medicaid allowances need and often do not have money to purchase, such as t-shirts, socks and personal-care items.
“We can be the antidote to the epidemic of isolation and loneliness that is harming our older adults,” said Phyllis Jackson, R.N., community wellness project manager at Common Ground Health. “Many in nursing homes do not have family members or friends who visit. Many may lack socialization, joy, love or hope. These donations brighten older adults’ days, which may help improve their health.”
In Spotlight: Social Isolation and the Benefits of Intergenerational Connection released in February 2024, Common Ground Health revealed that older adults were struggling with an increase in social isolation and loneliness, which were associated with poorer health outcomes.
The project is seeking donations of new items to distribute over the holidays or financial contributions which will be used to buy needed items. Business or groups can also adopt a skilled nursing facility and be recognized on materials accompanying care packages. Donations are needed by Dec. 16. These items are:
- Packages of crew or knee-high cotton socks
- Packages of footie socks
- Packages of white or gray V-neck only T-shirts (medium, large or extra-large)
- Zippered hoodie sweatshirts or fleece jackets (medium, large or extra-large)
- Hair barrettes, clip-on bows, or headbands
- Regular-sized deodorant
- Hand-sized lotion
- Regular-sized toothpaste
- Packs of soft toothbrushes with covers
- Combs or brushes
- New medium-sized stuffed animals
- Lap robes, quilts or throws
Common Ground partners with schools and community groups to create holiday cards and pictures. These cards are given to residents on every major holiday throughout the year, letting these residents know others are thinking of them.
The nursing homes that we currently support are:
- The Pearl Nursing Home
- Wesley Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing
- Rochester Center
- The Hurlbut
- Waterview Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing
- The Homestead, Rochester Presbyterian
- Cobb's Hill Manor Nursing Home
To make a donation, arrange for a pickup of items or to partner on this project, contact Phyllis Jackson at 585-957-1205 or Phyllis.jackson@commongroundhealth.org or Patricia Cathey at 585-690-9097 Patricia.Cathey@commongroundhealth.org.
Monetary donations may be made at www.commongroundhealth.org/notforgotten.
About Common Ground Health
Founded in 1974, Common Ground is the health research and planning organization for the Rochester-Finger Lakes region. We bring together leaders from health care, education, business, government and other sectors to find common ground on health challenges. Common Ground Health is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit. Learn more at commongroundhealth.org.