Since 2008, Subaru has been “Sharing the Love” by donating a portion of its vehicle sales during the holidays to charities and nonprofits across the world.

The program has seen nearly $90 million handed out to national charities and, now, seniors in need across the Heart of Virginia will feel the love through a partnership with Meals on Wheels of America, Piedmont Senior Resources (PSR) and many other Farmville-based organizations.

“We hope to deliver 300 presents to local seniors who are in need of the most basic supplies,” said Justine Young, executive director of PSR. “Participating in this grant makes us eligible for Subaru grant funds that will be used to supplement our meals program.”

Subaru donates $250 for every new car sold to one of four nationwide charities, Young said. “Meals on Wheels is one of the four,” she said.

According to an event flier, the community can donate needed items at PSR’s office in Burkeville or at Real Living Cornerstone on North Main Street in Farmville by Dec. 9. Suggested donations include laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, towels, soap, toothbrushes, blankets, lotion, canned foods and non-perishable food items. Sponsoring a senior is also possible, according to the flier.

Young said the arrangement will not only benefit seniors but also veterans and their families.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Navona Hart and Real Living Cornerstone, Piedmont Veterans Council, the Mil-Vet Advocacy Project and Veterans of Foreign War,” Young said. “We felt we could fulfill the requirements of the grant and obtain funding for our nutrition program, while at the same time, bring joy to our local seniors through needed gifts.”

The grant requires the consortium to partner with a local business, and that’s where Hart’s real estate firm comes in.

“Besides Navona and her business, we have involved Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7059, the Mil-Vet Advocacy Project and the Rotary Club. The clubs, VFW and Mil-Vet Project, are donating items for the senior gifts. Navona has offered to be a drop-off point and she is promoting the event to collect items for our seniors. Navona and her staff will also be helping to deliver the gifts,” Young said.

Organizers of the effort for seniors are not yet sure how much grant money will come in.

“It depends upon the number of Subaru cars sold between Nov. 17 and Jan. 3,” Young said. “We hope to deliver thousands of dollars worth of gifts and receive a few thousand for our nutrition program.”

For more information, contact Young at PSR at (434) 767-5588.

This story has been corrected from an earlier version.