Community center looks to raise funds for remodel, construction
Nov. 6—Citizens of Indianola are launching a campaign to upgrade their community and senior citizens center.
The Indianola Community & Senior Citizen Center is approaching a 50th Anniversary and is hoping to raise $200,000 to remodel and construct a new facility.
According to a campaign press release prepared by the Center's Board of Directors, "In April of 1978, a group of interested citizens of Indianola met and discussed the need for a Senior Citizens organization in Indianola and Canadian Shores. For several years the Indianola organization met and provided meals and programs in other nearby facilities. In 1981, downtown Indianola lots were donated by Mrs. Ola and Grace Bynum and an initial fund totaling $25,000 was raised for construction. An initial budget for construction and other costs was determined at $35,000."
Currently, the facility is "well-used" with aged fixtures, non-working appliances, and very little financial reserves. "The Center operates on an approximate $30,000 annual budget including the generosity of state funds, individual and organizational donors, other partners and events and activities," said the press release.
The campaign includes an "Endowment" that will provide "some monies each year for facility upkeep, maintenance, and necessary replacement" that's outside the regular operating budget.
The Center is an asset to the Indianola and Canadian Shores community by providing daily meals to those in the community who may be ill, homebound, or in need. Meals are made possible at the facility and delivered. The Center provides a regular program of events throughout the year and is frequently used by other groups and families for special events. There is also a Community Blessings Box on-site.
If not for community individuals, churches, and donors, the Center would not be able to keep the doors open and programs functional. Half of the operation costs are made possible by an Oklahoma Department of Commerce grant and grants from the Town of Indianola and Pittsburg County.
The Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to Noon. Volunteers deliver meals daily to an average of 20 homes with meals available on-site at 11 a.m.
Campaign Director Mike Cathey is hoping to raise their goal of $200,000 by June 30, 2025, to then begin and complete the remodel and construction by June 30, 2026.
