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OUR YUCAIPA | AUGUST 2015 19 Smiles For Seniors is fully funded by grants and donations. Seniors who receive help have to be 65 or older, or 60 or older and disabled. They have to be low income and go through a short qualifying process. "There are always more seniors in need than there is funding available," Serianni said. "We need help all the time and I tell people: this could be your aunt, your Grandma, or someone you don't even know. But we are all here on this earth to help each other." Smiles For Seniors also reaches out to senior citizens at Christmas Time. Each year they pick a senior facility in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties to visit. They show up with an army of volunteers who thrill residents with entertainment, arts and crafts, and gifts of games and playing cards. Each senior gets their own Christmas stocking stuffed with goodies like shampoos, lotions, lip balms and small gifts, and usually a small lap blanket too. Each center also gets a large gift, like a karaoke machine, that the seniors can use all year long. Volunteers are always needed to stuff the stockings ahead of time, and local dance troops can volunteer to entertain. Despite their best efforts, Serianni said 2015 has been a tough year, and the organization is in desperate need of monetary donations, grocery store gift cards, and fundraising efforts. The foundation's major annual fundraiser, The Smiles For Seniors eighth annual Bowl-A-Thon is set for Sat., Aug. 29 at Empire Bowl, 940 W. Colton Ave. in Redlands. Sponsorships are needed and include a $3,000 presenting sponsor, a $1000 gold sponsor, $500 silver sponsor, and $250 bronze sponsorship. Lane sponsorship is also available at $200 and includes five bowlers. Individual bowling is $40 per person or $30 for seniors. All sponsorships levels receive their name on the lane banner, listing on the website, newsletter, and in other publications. Sponsorships include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, food, soda, and raffle tickets. Donations and raffle items are welcome. Check-in begins at 4 pm and bowling starts at 4:45 pm. Smiles For Seniors is always looking for caring individuals to join the team, Serianni said. A new group, "Friends of Smiles for Seniors," has just been formed to promote the organization. Prospective members can call Serianni for more information. Smiles For Seniors' office is in Yucaipa and is a non profit 501 C3 organization. Tax ID# 26-0373602. Donations of checks or gift cards can be mailed to Smiles For Seniors, P.O. Box 1113 Yucaipa, CA 92399. For more information visit the website at www.smiles4seniors.org or call Serianni at 790-6671. seniors with basic necessities By Natalie Palmer The board of Smiles For Seniors stops for a quick photo