43
Senior center sponsors fundraiser
By Elise Franco
AUSTINTOWN
Another successful fundraiser at the township’s senior center is proof that the community supports its cause, said Executive Director Bill Adams.
The center on Westchester Drive opened its doors Saturday for a trash-and-treasure sale that Trustee Lisa Oles predicted would bring in about $1,500 in sales.
“Fundraisers like this one are important because we’re basically totally dependent on financial support from the community,” Adams said. “We had a very good crowd all day long buying items that were donated by the seniors and other community members.”
Adams said volunteers took donations for three days before the sale, loading the senior center up with clothes, toys, electronics, books and home goods.
“The people from Briarfield Manor brought in a lot of old artwork,” he said. “Probably about 20 pieces.”
Kay Lavelle, senior-service coordinator for the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department, said about 500 people came through the center throughout the day.
Lavelle, who was volunteering, said she wasn’t surprised by the turnout. “We were expecting it,” she said. “This place was just packed with stuff.”
Jaca Verbosky of Newton Falls said she and her sister Sophie Kurtz were visiting the area and saw a sign for the sale.
“We got here a little late in the day, but we still found some nice things,” Verbosky said as she paid for several home decor items.
Kurtz, who purchased a grocery bag full of books, said she and her sister try to support many community causes.
“These elderly people need just as much help and support as anyone,” she said.
Adams said all of the purchases were appreciated and necessary to keep the senior center running. He said he hopes to eventually raise enough money to open the six-month-old senior center full time.
Currently it’s open only until 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“There’s definitely a demand for it,” he said. “We wouldn’t exist without the support of this community and without the money from these type of fundraisers.”