The biggest fundraiser for the Senior Center of South Pearl River County hosts the St. Michael’s Foundation Challenge Match, and this year they set a goal to make it even bigger.
During December and January, St. Michael’s Foundation has challenged the senior center to collect $12,000, which they intend to match dollar for dollar.
“We really rely on the fundraiser to give us what these seniors deserve and to make a difference in their lives. We are excited for the challenge of meeting St. Michael’s expectations, but we can’t do it alone,” Kathleen Penton, senior center activities and volunteer coordinator, said.
The senior center receives monetary support from the city and county, but Penton said it’s not enough to serve senior citizens on a daily basis. She said fundraisers and donations are “what keep the doors open.”
Penton said the donations from the St. Michael’s Foundation Challenge Match fundraiser increase year to year, but now that a challenge has been assigned, Penton and the senior center volunteers feel motivated to meet the goal.
From the expense of hosting parties like the senior prom, to offering each senior a full meal every day, the center asks the community to contribute to their cause.
Anyone that wants to donate can either go to their Facebook page at The Senior Center of South Pearl River County and click “donate” or send contributions to the center located at 45 El Patch Parkway in Picayune.
Also, with Christmas approaching, Penton said they are accepting gifts of any sort for the seniors who may not have the budget to travel to be with their families.
“Everyone deserves a nicely wrapped present for Christmas, especially these wonderful people at the senior center. It’s more than just the gift, it’s an uplifting act of kindness that supports our senior citizens in the county,” Penton said.
The senior center will accept all donations, including universal gift cards, puzzles, games and more.
For more information, call 601-798-9892.