A fundraising challenge is underway at the Senior Center of South Pearl River County.

The challenge is to collect $8,000 in donations from the community in contributions from individuals and businesses, and in return a local foundation will match that contribution.

Executive Director David Sykes said the fundraising effort is currently underway, and will last until February 15.

The money raised will help fund the various programs and events held at the center for local senior citizens, cover the cost of operating expenses, and essentially keep the center running, Sykes said.

Some of the various services offered to local senior citizens include meals, formal dances, holiday themed parties and regular workshops and exercise classes to keep senior citizens active and social.

Donations can be submitted to the center via the website, http://www.prcseniorcenter.org/, and clicking on the donate link at the bottom of the page. Donations can also be made in person at the center, located at 45 El Patch Parkway in Picayune, or mailed in.

Sykes said that while the foundation has pledged $8,000 to match local donations of the same amount, his goal is to raise $22,000 during the entire campaign.

“The success of this campaign is critical because attendance has grown,” Sykes said.

In November of this year, attendance at the center nearly doubled, and that means more meals are being served.

During the previous year, 8,500 meals were served to local seniors; this year that number climbed to 11,000, he said.

And there have been some major expenses at the facility to keep it operational, including a new air conditioning unit, grinder pump and other big-ticket items, Sykes said. 

The center can be reached by calling 601-798-9499.