Nutrition Center Valentine Family Fun Night Feb. 7

Back in July of this past year the Doniphan Senior Nutrition Center and Naylor Senior Nutrition Center received information that funds for the next fiscal year would decrease by $32,000 dollars.

Directors Tina Sharp (DSNC) and Hazel Slusher (NSNC) are all too familiar with the need to raise additional funding for the senior nutrition centers of Ripley County.

The DSNC holds a monthly fish fry the last Friday of each month for that reason, not to mention the live auction in August 2024.

NSNC just had 29 bags of gently used and new shoes picked up from the funds.org shoe drive that was held last October. The drive was extended due to the theft of 17 bags being taken from the center prior to the deadline. The center will benefit 40 cents per pound per bag.

Because of the concern that the cuts would dramatically effect Ripley County seniors, several concerned citizens announced that they would like to have a meeting to share thoughts and ideas about helping both senior centers. A committee was formed and a chair was selected for the Ripley County Friends of Seniors.

The committee simply consists of senior volunteers, center directors, center staff, and Ripley County residents concerned with the soul purpose of raising funds for the two centers.

The committee met Jan. 16 at the DSNC to discuss their first fundraiser that is to take place Friday, Feb. 7 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at 715 E. Washington Street.

Family fun night will be a thrill for the entire family with the theme of Valentine’s Day. Parents and children can play games, create crafts, socialize with others and make new friends.

The family night out has a suggested donation of $5 to enjoy family fun and help raise funds that will go directly to the centers.

The committee invites everyone to the next meeting Tuesday, Feb. 18 at the Naylor Senior Nutrition Center located at 110 Front Street. In the meantime, the public is encouraged to assist with fundraising by purchasing lunch at the centers, making monetary donations, and food donations (except home canned foods). Fresh produce and cooked foods can be donated (in frozen state) to the centers between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.