V.A.G.A.L SC delivers stockings to vulnerable adults
The Vulnerable Adult Guardian ad Litem Program of SC (VAGAL SC), a division of the South Carolina Department on Aging, prepared 100 holiday stockings and delivered them to vulnerable adults residing in various assisted living and skilled nursing facility locations in South Carolina earlier this month.
The VAGAL SC program provides guardians ad litem for vulnerable adults aged 18 and older, many of whom have been abused, neglected, or exploited, and are in the protective custody of the South Carolina Department of Social Services. The program serves all 46 counties in South Carolina.
This year, the vulnerable adults served by the program were residing in the following 26 counties: Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Calhoun, Charleston, Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Fairfield, Florence, Greenwood, Greenville, Horry, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland, Spartanburg, Summerville, Sumter and Union Counties. Another vulnerable adult from South Carolina was residing in an Augusta, Georgia, facility and received a stocking.
Stockings were filled with items by the VAGAL SC team in hopes of bringing Christmas cheer to those who have been placed in adult protective custody while awaiting appropriate and safe living arrangements.
The stockings included treats such as snacks, sodas, candy, socks, a festive light-up necklace and beads.
“It’s a joy for our staff and volunteers to continue the tradition of distributing holiday stockings to vulnerable adults across the state,” VAGAL SC Director Brenda Marchant said. “The smiles on their faces and their heartfelt appreciation truly brighten our season. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers and donors who make projects like this possible.”
Items in the stocking were purchased by VAGAL SC’s Vulnerable Adult Fund (VAF). The VAF supports the efforts of the Guardians ad Litem of South Carolina as they advocate for abused, neglected, and exploited adults. The fund helps improve the quality of life of vulnerable adults by providing blankets, clothing, shoes, books, puzzles, comfort items, communication devices, and much more.
“The holiday stockings are just a small way to let people know they are not forgotten during this holiday season,” Lisa Loesel, Chair of the SC Vulnerable Adult Fund Committee. “We are thankful for our volunteers, staff, and supporters who made these stockings a reality for us again this year. We look forward to even more stockings next year.”
Those interested in donating to the Vulnerable Adult Fund can make tax deductible donations payable to SC Department on Aging/VAGAL.
Please mail to:
Syeeda Gallman, Finance Director
SC Department on Aging
1301 Gervais Street, Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
To learn more about VAGAL SC or to become a volunteer contact Mac McNeil at rmcneil@aging.sc.gov or 803-949-5293.
For more information on the South Carolina Department on Aging visit https://aging.sc.gov/ and https://www.getcaresc.com/