VASIA plans Angel Tree for clients

The holiday season is fast approaching, with thoughts of gift-giving on most people’s minds.

For Volunteer Advocates for Seniors & Incapacitated Adults, just one thing sits at the top of the agency’s list — community support to bring a little bit of joy to their clients.

VASIA, as it’s better known, has brought back its Angel Tree program again this year. People are encouraged to come to the organization’s office inside the Johnson County Courthouse between Nov. 15 and Dec. 16, where they can choose an ornament listing specific items for a VASIA client.

With donations of items such as warm socks, blankets, snacks and more, local residents can be the holiday spirit for those who have no one else.

“Most of our clients don’t have family, so we’re stepping in that role as the advocate, but also to show support during the holidays,” said Laura Rynerson, executive director for Johnson County and Shelby County VASIA. “Holidays can be lonely for individuals who live in nursing homes, so we want to show extra love and encouragement during this time, so they know we’re another support system for them.”

Appointed by the local courts, VASIA advocates are paired with clients deemed unable to care for themselves, spending considerable time with them helping make decisions on everything from finances to medical needs to what they want to happen when they die.

Oversight of the VASIA program is done locally by the courts, and the guardianship process entails thorough research. The people in need of a guardian may include, people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, mental illness, substance abuse issues, traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities, autism, and any other incapacity that limits their ability to make decisions about their financial and medical care.

To support them, advocates meet regularly with their clients to help with those decisions. Currently, VASIA has about 40 clients.

The idea to provide items for the holidays came about last year. Not only was the program a success, but people asked about ways to buy more for VASIA clients, Rynerson said.

“The public wanted to buy more items for each client, and was interested in more information about the client — their favorite colors, their favorite snacks, candy. So we’re asking for more items for each client,” she said.

The Angel Tree also provided a way for VASIA to raise awareness about their mission, Rynerson said. People started asking about other volunteer or support opportunities with the organization, which has helped throughout the rest of the year.

For example, donations allows VASIA to provide birthday cake and ice cream for clients on their birthday. Volunteers also try to visit care facilities where clients live to perform live music and deliver flowers to them.

“We’ve had a huge response. The clients and all the residents love it — everybody wins,” Rynerson said.

Starting on Nov. 15, the public can come to the VASIA ornament from the tree. The paper ornaments include the client’s initials, their clothing size, favorite snack, preferred colors and more. People can pick out items matching the requests, then return the items to the VASIA office by Dec. 15 so volunteers have time to wrap and deliver.

“It’s rewarding to do this. We know what our clients need, so we’re able to incorporate that to give them what they want and need at the same time,” Rynerson said. “It also shows the community is supporting them, as well as the program.”

How to help

VASIA is filling stockings to give to their clients in Johnson and Shelby counties this holiday season. The community is invited to support a senior.

A Christmas tree has been set up at the VASIA offices inside the Johnson County courthouse. Ornaments on tree represent each of the organization’s 40 clients, with requests for small items and snacks needed.

People can start picking up ornaments on Nov. 15. They’re asked to drop off the items by Dec. 15 at the VASIA office.