Rocky Senior Citizens Center still needs help to meet goal

Earlier this year the Rocky Senior Citizens Center set a fundraising goal of $20,000 in order to continue operating five days a week.

Now, after a fundraiser event and some generous donations, the center has reached the halfway point.

Following their Indian taco dinner fundraiser held on July 18, the center was able to raise $4,835.75. The center received support from all around including United Supermarkets in Cordell and Clink’s Supermarket in Hobart who donated food, Melton’s Janitorial Supply who donated paper goods, and participants and volunteers from all over.

“We appreciate the generosity of our many donors and supporters,” site manager Lola Hart said. “The staff, board members, and volunteers at the Rocky Senior Center would like to thank everyone who has supported our recent fundraising efforts.”

Additionally, the center has garnered approximately $5,000 in other contributions, bringing the center to its halfway mark.

Should the center not reach its $20,000 goal by August 2, it will be forced to close one day a week-an effect that could have a negative impact on the approximately 30 people a day that the center serves.

“The Rocky Senior Center serves participants onsite, and volunteers deliver meals to homebound individuals. Seniors come from surrounding communities, including Hobart, Cordell, Sentinel, Cloud Chief, and Clinton,” Hart said. “For many, this noon meal is the only meal they will eat during the day and their greatest source of socialization.”

With less than a week to go to reach their goal, the center is relying on donations from the community and Hart said they have applied for a grant that they hope will close any remaining deficit.

Despite the short time left, Hart is optimistic that the center will reach its goal.

“I have high hopes that we will reach our goal. People have been very generous so far,” she said.

For over 40 years, the Rocky Senior Citizens Center has served hot lunches to people over 60 five days a week. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, service was not interrupted as participants picked up their meals by drive-thru service.

If you would like to help the center continue to operate as normal, donations can be made a several ways including by mailing a check to 600 Main St., Rocky, OK 73661, stopping by the Rocky Senior Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and digitally through Venmo (@ rocky-seniorcenter) or CashApp ($RockySeniorCenter).