From right, Alberta Wooldridge, Linda Sciallo, Bonnie Chalfant, Elise Hoover, Debbie Peterson and Sylvia Johnson are members of a local Mary Kay unit who are lending some holiday cheer to Amador County's elderly residents. Photo by: Stephanie Minasian

An Amador County Mary Kay Cosmetics unit is bringing some holiday cheer to local elderly residents at Kit Carson and other nursing homes by presenting them baskets filled with Christmas goodies and useful products - as part of its first "Adopt a Grandparent for Christmas" project.

The baskets for men and women will be filled with items valued at $25, and will include gifts for elderly men such as a warm, fuzzy blanket, moisturizing lotion, lip balm, candy or cookies and a pair of diabetic socks. The women will receive a soft teddy bear, lotion, tinted lip balm, a pair of moisturizing pink socks and candy or cookies as well.

"This is our way of giving back to the community," said Amador County Mary Kay Sales Director Alberta Wooldridge. "A lot of people in these homes don't have families at all. This could be the only gift some of them receive this holiday." The unit hopes to make 100 baskets for those who need them, but would like to make 200 to donate to more facilities in the area.

The women said they are in need of $25 donations to make the baskets. The baskets will be delivered to the elderly recipients the week of Christmas.

The "Adopt a Grandparent" project can be assisted by individuals or local businesses by sending $25 in cash or check to Alberta Wooldridge, 1 Raggio Road, Jackson, CA 95642. Checks must be made payable to Wooldridge. Donations are tax-deductible.