For low-income seniors in Highlands County, the holiday season just got a little brighter. This month, Glades Electric Charitable Trust’s presented NU-HOPE Elder Care Services with a check for $3,500, allowing NU-HOPE to provide holiday food baskets for at least 50 seniors struggling to make ends meet. This annual tradition, fueled by Glades Electric’s generosity, ensures seniors feel remembered and supported during the holidays.

The Holiday Baskets for Seniors program began over 15 years ago as a collaboration between St. Vincent de Paul and NU-HOPE. Each year, St. Vincent collected food from a community-wide drive, sorted it, and passed it to NU-HOPE to distribute to seniors. However, when St. Vincent redirected its food donations, NU-HOPE decided the program was too important to loose, dipping into its own limited funds to keep seniors fed through the holidays.

 “When Glades heard about NU-HOPE’s challenge to keep the program going, they didn’t hesitate to help,” states Debbie Slade, NU-HOPE Executive Director. “They agreed that seniors in our community shouldn’t have to worry about food, especially during the holidays. We are so honored to have them partner with us in this effort.”

Since then, rising food costs have made each dollar stretch a little less, but Glades has kept its commitment strong. This year, the organization increased its donation to $3,500, giving NU-HOPE a much-needed boost to continue providing holiday baskets without sacrificing its other essential services for seniors.

“Without Glades Electric’s support, we would struggle to provide even just the basics,” said Debbie Slade, Executive Director of NU-HOPE. “With Glades help, as well as other members of our community who pitch in, we try are able to provide each of the seniors with both the basics and something a little extra- a special treat that people on very strict budgets rarely are able to get for themselves.”

The baskets, filled with shelf-stable food items carefully chosen to last well beyond the holidays, are reserved for seniors facing significant financial and social challenges. NU-HOPE’s case managers screen and identify those with the greatest need, ensuring each basket goes where it’s needed most.

“This program isn’t just about food—it’s about showing our seniors that their community cares about them,” according to Slade. “Each bag contains more than food. When we deliver these baskets, we’re delivering a message of love and support from the community.”

Thanks to Glades Electric’s support, seniors across the area can look forward to a brighter holiday season, with baskets that offer both nutrition and a reminder that they’re not alone. Glades Electric’s commitment has turned the Holiday Baskets for Seniors from a simple seasonal aid effort into a powerful tradition of community care.