Joomla Login LightBox powered by WowJoomla.com

There’ll be books, knick-knacks, clothes and baked goods to be had at the Liberty Silver Center’s first rummage and bake sales from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 26.

Times are tough and the Silver Center is exploring creative ways to raise money to help fund its programs, said Lee Ann Lawlor, aging services coordinator for the city.

The Silver Center, which mainly caters to adults 60 and older, is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Liberty Community Center, 1600 S. Withers Road.

Lawlor said participants, who use the Silver Center’s services, donated items for the sale, which is open to the public.

Park Director Dennis Dovel said approximately 40 to 50 seniors attend the Silver Center each day. A free lunch is served but donations are welcome.

According to Lawlor, the center has a budget of approximately $67,000. About $25,000 of that amount comes from Mid-America Regional Council and the rest from the city’s general fund, grants and donations.

“The rummage sale is a way for them to raise money to purchase things above and beyond what is offered,” Lawlor said.

In addition to lunch, the Silver Center offers entertainment and an opportunity to socialize, she said.

The group also takes bus trips in the Kansas City area and away.

The city provides free transportation for essential services for seniors such as a doctor’s appointment or a ride to the Silver Center but charges $2 round trip for a nonessential trips such as going to the beauty shop.

Lawlor said that the advisory board at the Silver Center and staff is continually looking for new program opportunities for participants, but with the economic downturn, it was difficult to fund new programs.

“We’d like to offer some art classes and our chairs need to be upholstered,” she said.

Assistant Administrator Dan Estes said no budget cuts were planned for the Silver Center this year. He said the process for the 2010 budget would be starting next month.

“It’s going to be a very difficult budget next year,” he said.

According to Lawlor, approximately 400 people visit the Silver Center each year to participate in a variety of activities such as educational programs, live performances, holiday parties, card playing, bingo and more.

For more information about the Silver Center, stop by or visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/SeniorServices.

If you can’t make it to the sale but want to help, Lawlor said, consider making a tax-deductible donation, designated for Liberty Senior Services, to the Liberty Parks and Recreation Charitable Fund. For more information about the charitable fund, call 439-4366 or visit www.ci.liberty.mo.us/LPRCF.

BARGAIN BUYING

The Liberty Silver Center will hold its first rummage and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 26, at the Liberty Community Center, 1600 S. Withers Road.

Liberty Editor Angie Anaya Borgedalen can be reached at 781-4941 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed