After living a full life, some may retire. They might imagine spending their days sitting on their porch or lounging around their relaxing house. However, some days, you may end up wanting somewhere to go and be amongst elderly peers. This is where the Clinton Senior Center comes into play.
The center offers affordable meals, events, and help with the ever-changing ways of life as one ages. Services like this seem like a no-brainer, but they can’t be offered without the proper funding. Over the weekend, the center hosted a Wheels For Meals car show in the hopes of generating some of that funding.
“We are required to do fundraising to help balance our budget throughout the year to keep the senior center functional. We are hoping this might be a really good fundraiser for us and help us end the month on a good note” Kathy Wilson, the county services director at the center, said.
Wheels for Meals allowed any and all to pull up in their car of choice, mingle, eat some lunch, and potentially earn some cash prizes. Many cars rolled up with the intent to impress. From a ‘38 Chevy to a ‘62 T Bird, the drivers got busy polishing their cars till the shine hurt some eyes. Events such as these help fund the many services offered by the center.
“It can be anything from home-delivered meals to care management, which is kind of our social service side. We can help them with Medicaid, Medicare, or finding an aide. Just generally, anything that anyone 60 years or older might need to keep their independence” Wilson said.
Wheels for Meals was simply one of the many events the center hosts throughout the year to provide these services. In June, the kids and codgers dance will be held in the hopes of getting the entire family involved in some fun.
“It will be grandkids inviting their grandparents or kids inviting their parents to dance. We are trying to get the kids involved intergenerational,” Wilson said.
Community events are held nearly every other month, with the hopes of making the budget of the center look a little nicer. However, events aren’t the only way the center generates donations.
“Twice a year, we mail out pledge letters that help us get funds as well. Since COVID, though, we have seen a lot of that deplete greatly, as I’m sure every non-profit around has. We used to be able to raise $30,000 in just one event. After COVID, that was no longer possible” Wilson said.
COVID hurt many businesses and non-profits, as well as the finances of every regular individual. The Pandemic put a strain on the entire economy, including a small town like Clinton. The Senior Center is still feeling the effects to this day.
“So, I had a deficit of $42,000 to make up by the end of June, and I don’t think we are going to reach that goal, and next year’s goal will be even more staggerin,g but we do the best we can just to keep our services going” Wilson said.
This deficit can be staggering, but Wilson says the center is committed to offering fun events for the community to raise money. She hopes many will attend future events and have an old-fashioned good time.
“We’re not just a bunch of old folks that are sitting around, twiddling our thumbs. We know how to have fun. We would like to draw the community in to see us have fun by putting on our ‘fun-raisers’ just to get them acquainted with what we do in the community” Wilson said.
She also says their center is the best-kept secret in the county. Many don’t know that anyone can come in and order a meal for only $11, even if you are under 60 years old. Many don’t know about the events they host regularly throughout the year. Some who need their services may not know they provide them. If you would like to support the services they provide, you can donate on their website or simply stop by for a bite to eat.
