Saratoga Senior Center launches ‘RISE UP Challenge’
SARATOGASPRINGS, N.Y. » The Saratoga Senior Center is calling on the community to participate and donate to its “RISE UP Challenge,” which will help fundraise $10,000 for seniors’ needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To help it meet its goal, MVP Health Care gifted the first $2,500 donation.
When COVID-19 took hold, the Saratoga Senior Center as an essential service immediately hit the ground running with check-in and reassurance calls to ensure the needs of atrisk and homebound seniors were being met. Food and basic care items were delivered to seniors’ doorsteps.
Staff shopped for and delivered groceries. Also distributed were donated produce, bread items, lunches and other essential supports such as masks, hand sanitizers, puzzles, books and other items.
The Center also transitioned its in-house classes to Zoom and increased online and social media communications to keep seniors engaged at home while remaining healthy and safe. Following COVID guidelines, the doors were opened to seniors again in July while still providing online classes as well, so all participants have options to stay connected and safe.
With colder months approaching, the need for seniors to remain safe and home will only continue. The Saratoga Senior Center will continue to meet seniors’ needs over the next year and continue to provide innovative programs and services while funding is significantly reduced.
“The pandemic has taken a toll on our communities and the critical non-profits that take care of them,” said Ellen Sax, MVP Health Care’s Vice President of Community Engagement. “At MVP Health Care, it’s our mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
“We are proud to support The Saratoga Senior Center as they do important work to take care of seniors in the Saratoga region while they face an increased risk of COVID-19.”
“MVP Health Care has supported our seniors and organization during this difficult time and in years past,” said Lois Celeste, Executive Director of The Saratoga Senior Center. “We cannot thank our partners enough for rising to the challenge. During these unique times, it’s companies like MVP and our community members who have kept us going.
“Now more than ever, even a donation of $10 goes a long way to helping us meet our goal.”
To donate today, go to https://saratogaseniorcenter.org/rise-up- challenge/.