More than Meals on Wheels: Center will use grant for safety, upgrades

Centerburg Senior Services was recognized by the Knox County Foundation for the hard work it does in the community with the elderly.

A $5,000 award from the foundation's Giving BACK Tuesday program will help pay for a fire suppression system at its facility, according to Assistant Director and Financial Manager Crystal McElhaney. Some of the funds will also be used for upgrades after moving for the first time in December.

“A local resident called to let us know about the GiveBackTuesday grant," McElhaney said. "We posted on the grant process on the Centerburg Senior Services Facebook page. Numerous residents nominated the Center. We are forever grateful to everyone for taking the time to nominate the Center."

Lisa Lloyd is the program director for the Giving BACK Tuesday program and she notified Centerburg of its award.

This year's winners came from 10 nominees and also included Giving Hope Charity, Habitat for Humanity of Knox County, Knox County Task Force for Older Adults and MTVarts, according to a release on Jan. 28.

“This was the first year we hosted Giving BACK Tuesday, and we are hopeful to continue this campaign, or something similar, every year to celebrate Giving Tuesday and honor our nonprofits that work year-round to serve the community,” Lloyd said in a Jan. 28 release.

Established in 2003, Centerburg Senior Services is approaching two decades of service to rural Knox County seniors. McElhaney said the main purpose was for the Meals on Wheels program as well as transportation to doctor’s appointments. She said that the center has grown to incorporate social activities and classes.

Meals on Wheels is offered Monday through Friday and transportation to the doctor and therapy sessions is provided. There are three exercise classes each week, as well as two days of card games, a movie and lunch day, and Bingo with lunch. There are also monthly craft days and painting days. 

“The Center provides needed services to the seniors in our area,” McElhaney said. “There are no other facilities like our Center for this age group.”

Centerburg Senior Services is funded by the Knox County Senior Levy, as well as donations and grants from the community. The service area includes Centerburg, Liberty, Hilliar and Milford Township.

Doors open at 9 a.m. on Monday through Friday, and McElhaney said the coffee is always ready. For more information, visit https://centerburgseniorservices.com.