By CHERIL VERNON
The Palestine Herald
PALESTINE
August 24, 2008 12:10 am
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The process of renovating a building to become a larger and more centrally-located facility for the Palestine Senior Center and its Meals on Wheels program hasn’t been easy, according to the center’s executive director.
“We have a very long way to go to raise money for this building. We are trying, but we cannot do it alone,” said Lois Durant, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Palestine Inc. “This building will benefit all citizens of the city and county, not just the seniors.”
Meals on Wheels of Palestine Inc. purchased the building at 200 N. Church St. in November 2007, a building which in the past has been a church, Christian school and grocery store. The building will be renovated with a new kitchen with the capacity to produce 1,200 or more meals per day. Meals on Wheels currently provides an average of 845 meals per day to both on-site and homebound elderly clients in Anderson, Cherokee and Rusk counties.
Besides the meals program the new facility will house a twice-weekly health clinic, an arts and crafts room, an exercise room and a game room. Another non-profit agency, Champions for Children of Anderson County, will be housed there as well.
The 4,019-square foot auditorium and stage will be used for weekly dances and other special fund-raising events. It also can be rented out to other organizations and individuals for their special events.
“We have gotten all the bids in on the renovations and the total is a staggering $1,118,820. Costs have skyrocketed because of fuel increases, and because of tougher building codes, as well as making ADA accommodations,” Durant said. “We are looking at ways to cut these costs, but most of the bids were for bare bones renovations.”
Set Backs
Since the facility was purchased, Meals on Wheels Inc. officials have uncovered several problems that will have to be taken care of prior to use of the building, including doors, ramps and restrooms that do not meet ADA standards; the reconstruction of storage facilities due to fire codes; and the discovery of asbestos, with a cost of over $15,000 for abatement.
“During the Christmas weekend (last year), thieves stole three air conditioners at the back of the building,” Durant said in a past interview.
Graffiti taggers also have been at this building, painting the whole back of the building as well as places on the side and front. In a separate incident, vandals broke in and destroyed three double glass windows, interior windows and all mirrors in the building. While doors have been boarded up, break-ins still occurred at the site, which led Meals on Wheels to incur the expense of security cameras and an alarm system to protect the property.
“In spite of some of the pitfalls, the Meals on Wheels Board and staff are still convinced that this was still a good decision,” Durant said. “This facility will benefit the meals program greatly.”
Stepping Up to Help
Several organizations have stepped forward to help with raising funds for the building renovations.
“Meals on Wheels wishes to take this opportunity to again thank Debbie Wesson of Sterling House and Geri Simpson and Penny Dornbush of Crown Home Health as well as Mike Bishop and his crew for the fish fry fund-raiser which was held in May at Sterling House,” Durant said. “Bethlehem Lutheran Church’s members held a Bowl-A-Thon and raised money that was matched by Tri-Vent Insurance. And thanks to Marcella Rutherford for donating the quilt that was raffled.”
In addition, grants have been received from Meals on Wheels Association of America and Texas Association of Aging Programs.
Direct Mail Campaign
A direct mail campaign was launched in June to cover all three counties. Thus far the largest donation to the Direct Mail campaign has been $5,000 which was given by a couple who delivers meals several times per week, but wishes to remain anonymous.
Blue Cross-Blue Shield also donated $1,000 to the fund.
All funds from all of these sources are being placed in the Building Renovation Fund
“To those of you who have responded to the direct mailer, thank you very much!” Durant said. “ To those of you who have received the direct mail requests and set it aside for later, please consider sending your donation now. Please show our seniors that you support them.”
Donations for the Building Renovation Fund may be sent to Meals on Wheels of Palestine, Inc. Building Fund, P.O. Box 1365; Palestine, TX 75802. For more information about Meals on Wheels of Palestine Inc. call 903-729-6344 or 903-729-0255.
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