By NICOLE LOGGINS/Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA — The Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging will host its second-annual Blooming Benefits Day at the Columbiana First Baptist Church on April 12 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The free event is open to seniors, caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Registration is required for those planning to attend said a press release.

“M4A is proud to be the main sponsor of this event and looks forward to helping as many people as we did last year,” said Ashley McGee, M4A Aging and Disability Resource Coordinator. “We could not make this day a success without our wonderful community partners in Shelby County.”

At the event, attendees will be paired up with a community representative who will conduct a brief assessment of the individual’s needs. Attendees will then be given applications or contact information for the any needed services.

“We had about 100 people show up last year and we did food bag giveaways, but this year we’re doing Wal-Mart gift card giveaways,” McGee said.

Applications may be completed at the event or at the person’s home. Those attending should bring proof of income to their appointments since some programs are income-based.

Attending the event is a way to gather information and share it with others who may also qualify, McGee said.

“Due to the basics of needs increasing as far as gas, toiletries and food, this is a great opportunity for people to receive public benefit services,” she said. “Even if you don’t qualify you can collect information to pass along to someone else in need.”

Information will be available on the following services: legal assistance, Veterans assistance, Medicare savings, food stamps/food stamp application assistance, Social Security extra help, medication assistance, disability advocacy, farmers market vouchers, the Yellow Dot Program, resources for durable medical equipment, blood pressure screenings, blood sugar checks, hearing screenings and hearing aid application assistance.

“We do this annually to give those who cannot work or have disabilities some hope,” McGee said.

To schedule an appointment at the Blooming Benefits Day event, call M4A at 1-866-570-2998.