Philadelphia Charity Seeks Fans, Soft Drinks For Area's Elderly And Disabled

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A local nonprofit organization is looking for window fans and cold drinks to deliver to homebound elderly and disabled adults in the five-county Philadelphia area.

Aid for Friends Frail Elderly Outreach has been around for nearly 40 years.  It delivers meals and -- perhaps just as important -- companionship to seniors and disabled adults in the region.

The group's founder, Rita Ungaro-Schiavone, says they must now turn to the public to help meet their needs.

"(We are looking for) small containers of water and juices, other than grapefruit juice," which interferes with certain medications, she told KYW Newsradio.  And she adds that the drinks must be in easy-to-open containers.  "It has to be easy for someone who has a weak hand or painful hand."

Aid for Friends also needs box fans -- and they have to be brand new.

The group is accepting donations dropped off at their headquarters at 12271 Townsend Road in Northeast Philadelphia.  For more information go to AidForFriends.org.

Reported by Robin Culverwell, KYW Newsradio 1060