When emergencies strike, seniors may not be fully prepared.

Carbon County officials realize this and want to help.Over the next two weeks, the county will be distributing 320 emergency kits, valued at $39, to area seniors who qualify for the Options program.On Friday, the county commissioners and Cheri Santore, director of the Area Agency on Aging, visited the home of Chester Trojan, a 96-year-old Lansford native who served in the Army during World War II and has deep roots in his community.Trojan was surprised by the kit, which contained 22 essentials needed when disasters strike, including toilet paper, gloves, toiletries, a radio, flashlights, batteries, portable water jug, a can opener, emergency purified drinking water and more."It feels like Christmas came early," he said repeatedly, smiling as he looked at the items.Santore said the county began serving Trojan six years ago when his wife, Marie, was being served by the county.He was caring for her, and as a service, the county gave him complimentary meals so he didn't have to cook all the time, she said, noting that in-home meals continued for Trojan after the passing of his wife last March.Commissioners' Chairman Wayne Nothstein explained that the kits were a result of lottery money that was distributed by the state earlier this year. Carbon County received $225,000 to expand services in certain programs like the in-home meal program, as well as cut down on the backlog of applications of people who may qualify for programs.Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard said the kits are currently being distributed to senior centers and through the in-home meals program.Commissioner William O'Gurek thanked Trojan for his service to his country and his community, saying it was Trojan's generation who made great sacrifices.The Carbon County Area Agency on Aging provides seniors with a number of services, from in-home meals to senior centers and can provide help for both the elderly, as well as the family.For more information on programs and services available to county seniors, call 610-824-7830 or toll free at 800-441-1315, or visit the agency, located at 401 Delaware Ave., third floor, Palmerton, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.