News

Click Here for the latest Meritan Newsletter (PDF).

Meritan along with 10 other local organizations are helping to raise money to purchase new air conditioning units for seniors and the disabled who have no source of cool air. Meritan employees along with WREG's Weather Man Jim Jaggers took donations along Poplar Avenue! The goal is to raise funds for 300 AC units at $99 each.

Officers with First Tennessee Bank recently presented a $10,000 check to help fund Meritan's Older Workers Training Program, which is designed to help senior citizens re-enter the workforce. On hand for the check presentation were Joel Smith (left), vice president of First Tennessee; Bill Mitchell, senior vice president of First Tennessee; Deborah Cotney, president of Meritan, Inc.; and Mike Edwards, president of First Tennessee Mid-South Markets.

Woven in Friendship: Seniors teach knitting, crocheting to kids. The children at The Neighborhood School may know a lot about texting and tweeting. But if a group of caring senior citizens has its way, these children soon will know about knitting and crocheting, too. Click Here for the complete article as published in "The Commercial Appeal."

White Station High School Students spent Monday morning delivering smiles to our senior citizens. The 9th graders took some of life's necessities, like blankets, toilet paper, soap, pajamas and lotion to Silver Bells for Meritan residents. Thanks to the public spirit of these youngsters, their principal, counselors and teachers, the effort soon snowballed into a major event to benefit Meritan residents. See the full story on My FOX Memphis

See below for information on how you can support Meritan's Silver Bells.

Meritan’s Silver Bells will once again be brightening a homebound senior’s holiday. This Holiday Season, we want to remember some who seem to have been forgotten. Here in Memphis, we have a growing number of senior citizens who will be without gifts or visitors. We are hoping, with your help, to collect gifts to bring holiday cheer and smiles to our community’s frail and homebound seniors.

We would like to ask for your participation for their very basic wish list. Our homebound seniors wish lists focus on needs.

Some gift ideas are: (unopened & unused)

Pajamas/Robes (men and women- all sizes)
Slippers/ Socks (men and women- all sizes)
Sheets/ Blankets/ Comforters (twin, extra long)
Lotions and toiletry items
Books/ Crossword Puzzles (large print)
Towels (Face, Hand, Bath, Kitchen, etc.)
Paper products

Monetary donations are also welcomed and will be used to buy gifts. Please make checks payable to: Meritan’s Silver Bells, 4700 Poplar, Memphis, TN 38117 or donate online at www.meritan.org.

This is a great idea for clubs, families, Sunday Schools, or work groups to get in the Holiday spirit and give back to those in need! Silver Bells ornaments with individual wish lists will be available in the 4th floor lobby of Meritan beginning November 3rd or by calling Sheila Williams or Elise Bone at 901-766-0600. Information line is 901-766-0658. Gifts must be returned to Meritan by December 11th.

Meritan's 10th Annual Midnight Classic Bike Tour was a huge success this year, with more than 1,400 riders. Wow, what a night, thank you to everyone who participated.

Please join Meritan in thanking our sponsors.