A few weeks ago, Virginia Froelker issued a plea for volunteers to help form a new Senior Center in Gerald. People enthusiastically responded to her request.

The second organizational meeting was held last week with  18 people in attendance. A third meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Gerald Library. All are welcome.

One of the final details left to decide is where the center will be located. Calvary New Life Church, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and 3rd and Pine Cafe have all offered space for the seniors.

Froelker said she was pleasantly surprised at the number and diversity of the people who turned out for the meetings. Such a great mix of talent will provide a good start to building a solid organization.

The Gerald Senior Center was a thriving group of people before it closed for COVID-19 in 2020. When the doors closed then, the group had a little more than $7,000 in the bank. Some of this money came from an annual grant through the United Way of Franklin County. Some came from suggested donations for meals and other donations. This money can be used to cover start up costs for the center now.

The Gerald Senior Center receives no tax money. It is run by volunteers and donations.

The goal is to provide seniors with a high nutrition lunch at least a couple of times a week. But as Froelker stresses, just as important is the chance for seniors to get out of their homes and socialize.

Once open, the center will need volunteers to keep it running. People who would be able to work a shift of four to five hours one day a month are being sought. Ideally, each organization in town can offer to staff the center for one shift per month. Individual volunteers can fill in any gaps.

Call 636-249-7630 to volunteer or for more information.