Basket of Joy fruit basket program
I provided two fruit baskets for Woody to present to the sisters and the next year we made 5,000 baskets to be given to isolated senior citizens in the Denver area. Each year since then the number of baskets we build and deliver has been between 5,000 and 10,000. In 2004, we passed the milestone of having built and delivered 100,000 baskets.
Each year at Christmas, over 300 volunteers build the 5,000 to 6,000 baskets in a single morning and an additional 200 to 300 more volunteers deliver the baskets to "isolated" senior citizens. For many of the basket recipients, this is the only human contact they have during the holiday season.
This lens contains some of Woody's early columns, photos from the 2007 event and a video interview made by channel 6 in Denver.
This year (2008) will be our 20th year for the Basket of Joy program, and will take place on Saturday, December 6th. We are ACTIVELY seeking volunteers to deliver baskets to recipients throughout the Denver area. After delivering one or two baskets, we think you will agree that this was one of the more memorable Christmas events you have ever participated in.
If, after watching the video and reading the columns, you feel that you would like to buy a fruit basket or two for isolated senior citizens this Christmas, please click on the link shown below. It will take you to the donation page for the Denver Chapter of the Volunteers of America...
Donate to the Denver Basket of Joy program
The cost of each basket is about $6.60, but of course you can donate any amount you like. When filling in the box, please indicate you would like your donation to go towards the 2008 Basket of Joy program.
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1995 Basket of Joy interview
Woody Paige's Basket of Joy columns
- Woody's original column
- Woody's first column concerning the Basket of Joy program appeared in the Denver Post on October 30, 1988
- Woody's second column
- This is the second column Woody wrote in 1988. At this point we were still about $10,000 short of the goal.
- Woody's third 1998 column
- This column was published when we thought we would still be short of funding.
- First column for 1989
- Woody began the second year "campaign" with this column.
- Woody's second column for 1989
- A few recipient and volunteer responses
- The third column for 1989
- Woody recaps the day the baskets were built.
2007 Basket of Joy photos
This line began forming at 7 AM, even though we wouldn't start assembling basket...
The work stations are built the day prior to basket assembly. Approximately 35,0...
Close up of one workstation
Baskets are moved to the front dock after assembly
Reader Feedback
maxy wrote...
I love reading you lens, well put together. Hope you have a chance to see my phone card lens!
Posted March 07, 2008
KeithBak wrote...
Great lens for an even better cause. My wife and I are in Denver and would love to help out next holiday season.
Posted March 07, 2008
NatChar wrote...
Ho Wow! What a unique idea. You did yourself proud. Fantastic Lens!
Posted March 06, 2008
Home-healthcare wrote...
Thank you, Dan. What a wonderful ministry to isolated seniors! I try to visit those in a memory support area who have few visitors and give them hugs and smiles. They get to know me. One woman with Alzheimer's had not initiated any speech for almost 2 years, but started sitting up, saying "hello" and letting me slowly hug her (she finally hugged back!) and give her a kiss on the forehead. They blossom with attention! If everyone would just reach out to hurting, lonely seniors - with baskets, flowers from the yard, or just a smile and hug!
Posted February 23, 2008
