FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club is seeking to make the lives of seniors in six Shelby County Senior Centers a little happier this holiday season.

The Alabaster-Pelham Rotary is donating funds to the Alabaster, Calera, Columbiana, Heardmont Park, Montevallo and Vincent senior centers for the purchase of items that can enrich the lives of the seniors who attend the center.

Most centers are using the funds to purchase exercise equipment, Wii Game Stations, computers or printers and board games, to name a few. Most purchases will be made with the intent to keep seniors active both physically and mentally.

“We all have a notion to give during the holidays, and the impulse is to give something that will brighten someone’s day today. But why not give something that can bring enjoyment each day throughout the year?” said John Turpen, an Alabaster-Pelham rotarian who worked to spearhead the project.

The Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging (M4A) worked with the Rotary last year when it launched a similar holiday project for seniors and was happy to assist again this year, Thurpen said.

“Senior Centers are meant to be places for people to congregate with others, have fun, learn and enjoy a lunchtime meal,” said Debbie Battles, M4A nutrition coordinator. “It’s always wonderful to see a community organization take notice of the needs of our seniors and then step up to the plate to meet those needs.”

For more information on the senior centers, or for assistance with transportation, seniors may call M4A at 670-5570. For more information about the Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club, call Jennifer Trammell at 663-4542.