By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Westborough – A successful nonprofit organization needs a strong core of dedicated volunteers in order to meet its goals. It’s not enough to just sign up – volunteers are needed who are passionately committed to doing what is necessary to meet those goals. Fortunately for the Westborough Senior Center there is just such a group – the aptly named Westborough Senior Center Supporters (WSCS). Thanks to this group of approximately 285 members, the Senior Center – and those who attend programs there – have benefitted from a truly remarkable number of enhancements and improvements at the center’s 4 Rogers Road location.
At a recent meeting, the center’s conference room was packed as the group met to discuss the projects they have implemented in the past and future ones they hope to accomplish. Quickly one learns that this is a group comprised of men and women who are technically “seniors,” but have the passion, drive and work ethic that would rival anyone younger. Being involved, they all agree, not only gives them purpose but is also quite fun.
Over the past few years the WSCS has donated funds used to purchase numerous items for the center including carpeting, a television, consoles, chair, tables, a microwave, containers for the Meals on Wheels programs, and jackets for the center’s van drivers.
The group also is very charitable with donations made to the town’s food pantry and fire department.
The WSCS holds a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, with its major event the now-annual holiday fair. The second fair, held in December 2015, was so successful it raised $5,000.
“Much of the credit goes to the many local merchants and volunteers who donated and worked on this with us,” WSCS member Jean Cox said. “They really helped to make it the success it was.”
Other events have included the popular Breakfast with Santa in early December which features the guest of honor arriving at the center via Westborough Fire Department engine.
The group also organizes trips throughout the year to such attractions such as Sturbridge Village and Parker’s Maple Barn in Mason, N.H.
“We have a great group of volunteers,” said Marie Young, WSCS chair. “Not everyone can or wants to volunteer for every event, of course. But we always have people ready to step up or answer our call for help.”
“We are always looking for more people to join us,” she added. “It’s a great way to make a difference in the town, be active and meet others.”
Dues are only $5 a year, from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31. The group meets the third Thursday of each month.
For more information, visit http://wboroscs.wix.com/wscs or call Young at 508-366-2240.
