CRESTVIEW — Two hundred Northwest Florida senior citizens will have a more cheerful Easter.
Four assisted living facilities' residents received "Baskets of Blessings" filled with goodies throughout the week.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service and Emerald Coast Hospice delivered the gifts to Crestview Manor and Silvercrest Manor in Crestview, Stanley House in DeFuniak Springs and Twin Cities Pavilion in Niceville.
Recipients were people like World War II veteran Michael Labick. "He had a whole case of medals…," said Shirley Perring, a senior registered tax return preparer.
Four years ago, event organizers just wanted to get assisted living residents necessities like toilet paper and walk-in tubs.
Since then, the deliveries have become a tradition, helping more people with each passing year.
"We started out with 35 (baskets) four years ago and now we’re up to 200," Perring said. "We also provide cakes from Publix for each of them."
The idea has spread to Jackson Hewitt offices throughout Florida, Missouri and Oklahoma, Perring said.
A mix of the business' staffers and its clients contribute to the local effort.
"This year, I had 10 clients that gave money or brought in basket material. The first year I had two." Perring said.
Safe-Step added $100 for the cause.
The result was worth all the effort, Perring said.
"It was so nice just holding (the residents') hand and serving them cake," Perring said. "They just beam. They enjoy having us visit. It’s fun, it really is."
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Assisted living residents get 'Baskets of Blessings'