During the holiday season no one wants to be left out or forgotten and although we are in full swing with the hustle and bustle, there is still time to adopt a grandparent, help a child or provide a little holiday cheer for those less fortunate in the community.

The Adopt a Grandparent volunteer group supports the elderly and have approximately 25 seniors at the Riverbank Nursing Center on Topeka Street in Riverbank that have yet to be adopted this season. They are in need of basic essentials like lotion, slippers, blankets, scarves, hats and socks.

A grandparent can be selected from the tree at Westamerica Bank, O’Brien’s Market or from the City of Riverbank at City Hall. They are also accepting cash donations and they will do the shopping for residents who want to donate but are short on time.

“This program is important because sometimes the elderly are forgotten and placed in care centers and they may not have any family or their family may be out of the area,” added Stephanie Dimberg, Westamerica Bank. “You wouldn’t want them forgotten and you would want them to feel special.”

There is still time to make a cash donation or select a grandparent to spread that warm Christmas cheer. The final day to adopt/donate is on Monday, Dec. 17. They will have a Christmas party at the center and senior ‘grandparents’ will be given the gifts at that time.

For additional information, contact Westamerica Bank at 209-869-2469.

There is still time to give to a few other organizations if interested as well.

The City of Riverbank is collecting warm items like scarves, hats, gloves, and lap blankets for the local shut-in seniors that often live alone and spend Christmas alone. These seniors receive Meals On Wheels deliveries. The final day to donate is Dec. 13.

The Toys for Tots organization will collect toys until Dec. 13 that can be dropped off at several locations around town including City Hall North.

The annual food drive is currently underway and the deadline to donate food is Dec. 20. The food collected will be served at a Christmas dinner for those in need in the Riverbank community. The food can be dropped off at O’Brien’s Market, St. Frances of Rome Church, Christian Food Sharing, and Riverbank City Hall.

The Teen Center is collecting backpacks, blankets, gloves, socks, sweatshirts, and hygiene products for the local homeless. The deadline to donate is Dec. 21.