Reporter's notebook: Residents organizing slipper drive

Two local residents are organizing a slipper drive to help senior citizens in Curry County keep their feet warm this winter.

Jo Eyster and Kimberly Clark are taking donations to purchase slippers and hope to be able to purchase and deliver 4,500 pairs by Dec. 15.

Slippers will be given to seniors in retirement homes, community living homes and those living in private homes, according to Eyster.

Eyster and Clark, who both work as independent contractors for Avon Cosmetics, decided to do a fundraiser for seniors because they also need help.

“A lot of people think they have retirement so they’re set,” she said. “But that’s not the case. Those poor people are not making it, they’re struggling. We don’t see a lot of an outreach program to seniors. And we figure if they don’t have to buy themselves slippers, they’ll have 15 or 20 extra dollars to spend on their grandkids or dinner.”

Eyster said they have collected 101 slippers since they began the drive Oct. 20.

To make a donation, call 760-1321 or 799-9503.

Reporter’s notebook was compiled by CNJ staff writer Liliana Castillo. Suggested items may be mailed to Managing Editor Rick White at P.O. Box 1689, Clovis 88102. The e-mail address is:

rwhite@cnjonline.com