Project Compassion is seeking donations for nursing facility residents through their annual Hearts of Gold gift collection. The group will take donated items to residents at facilities throughout Fort Smith, and Oklahoma during the holiday season.

“The goal of our annual holiday drive is to spread Christmas joy by providing meaningful gifts to nursing home residents in the 26 facilities we serve in Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma,” Marian Conrad, executive director of Project Compassion, said.

Accepted items include (new) sweat shirts and pants, nonslip socks, lounge pants, and plain colored T-shirts. People can also donate pajama sets and nightgowns. Sizes should be from small to 5 XL, in both men’s and women’s styles.

For residents, the donations make a huge difference. “For many, especially those without family, these may be the only new items they receive all year… these gifts of warm, soft personal visits, cards, and sing-along carols by our volunteers brighten the season and let each resident know that others care,” Conrad said.

Other needed items include activity books (coloring, crossword, Sudoku), periodicals (Guideposts, calendars and cards), nail polish, lotions, and food items (crackers, candy, chips, mints, peppermint), and gift cards to local restaurants/ fast food. For more information, contact Project Compassion at 479-783-2273 or Heartsofgold@projectcompassioninc. com.