With the holiday season approaching, Meals on Wheels and McKesson Medical-Surgical have teamed for their "Holiday Angels" gift drive to benefit Meals on Wheels clients. Most clients who rely on Meals on Wheels for nutritional meals also rely upon the organization for their holiday remembrances and daily necessities, such as toiletries, safety items, warm socks and gloves, as well as gifts for grandchildren in their care.

The number of Meals on Wheels clients in Henrico County has jumped by 20 percent since last year, according to officials.

Often, clients' “Holiday Angels” wish lists provide the only holiday remembrances that they and their grandchildren will receive. Meals on Wheels' partnership with McKesson Medical-Surgical – the Richmond-based national distributor of medical supplies and equipment—seeks to brighten the holidays for these less fortunate neighbors through the “Holiday Angels” gift drive. McKesson’s employees provide specially requested items for children, as well as larger items for homebound adults.

The organizations hope to provide more than 5,500 items this year and need the public's help to reach that goal.

Individuals, organizations and companies may donate the following new, unwrapped gifts, now through Dec. 10:

• safety and security items – night lights, radios, alarm clocks, smoke detectors, flashlights, batteries

• toiletries – shampoo, lotion, toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving cream, razors

• household items – towels, washcloths, blankets

• generic gifts – stamps, stationery, pill organizers, puzzles

• warm clothing – socks, gloves, scarves, baseball caps

• gift bags – all sizes

No food items or candy are accepted due to many recipients’ special dietary needs.

Collection bins are located at Meals on Wheels’ Distribution Center at 1600 Willow Lawn Drive in Henrico, as well as the area’s participating Walgreens stores. Additional drop-off locations and gift ideas are detailed at http://www.mowdelivers.com Finan.cial contributions also are accepted online.

During the holidays, volunteers from Meals on Wheels and McKesson Medical-Surgical will collect and deliver the gifts to homebound clients who reside in four cities and 10 counties in Central Virginia, including Henrico.