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Ways to help Truckee’s Senior Services program

Tom Ballou, guest writer

Truckee Tahoe Senior Services, the food service program at the Senior Center, is now in full swing, serving about 35 meals in the dining room and about 30 home-delivered meals each day.

Fridays are a special day at the Senior Center as many residents of the Tahoe Forest Hospital Extended Care visit for lunch and once a month there is a meal theme from a different country. Also, each Friday Romaine Smith plays piano for the enjoyment of all.

As you recall this program was in jeopardy last May when the previous operator gave us 30 days notice to terminate their contract. The community rallied around the cause to once again save the Senior Meal Program. The existing staff at the time were dedicated and determined to see that the meals would continue, even if it meant making cold cut sandwiches and chips.



An article in the Sierra Sun about the program woes alerted Tahoe Donner homeowner Nick Buick, an operator of similar programs in the San Francisco Bay Area, who stepped up to assume the program contract.

Truckee Tahoe Senior Services is far from out of the woods, however, as standard operating costs exceed federal subsidies to the tune of about $2,000 each month.



Many fund-raising efforts are in the works. First, the Pancake Breakfasts are back on the first Sunday of each month. The last breakfast raised nearly $300, somewhat short of $2,000 but a good start. This is the best breakfast for your money in town.

The Lions Club will host the next Pancake Breakfast, on Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Senior Center.

Soon you will see Senior Lunch Cards in many retail locations. This card sells for $10 and will buy a senior lunch for two weeks. The purchase of these cards puts money directly into the operating funds of the program.

However, perhaps the easiest way to donate to the Senior Lunch Program is with your grocery change. When you shop at Albertsons, ask for a “Meals on Wheels” card. Albertsons has the ability to credit any donation you make at the store directly to an account that basically pre-pays for groceries for the Senior Meal Program. You may donate your change, or any other amount you would like to give. Albertsons can even give you a receipt for your taxes.

Hopefully, other retailers will be able to help with similar donation programs. Another way to participate is to simply go to lunch at the Senior Center. Your presence and contribution help to keep the program vital.

Truckee Tahoe Senior Services is aware of the need for more home delivered meals in the local Truckee area as well as in the Tahoe Basin.

In order for this program to remain active in our community and to attempt to meet the needs of the surrounding communities, your contributions are essential. If you feel you can contribute money, time, ideas, money, resources, energy, or money, please contact Nick or Tanya at Truckee Tahoe Senior Services at 587-2408.


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