Dear Members, Participants and Friends,
From The Seattle Times Rant and Rave column on Tuesday March 24 2020, “RAVE: to the Ballard NW Senior Center and their chef, Lori! Although the center is closed, the kitchen is open and she is preparing delicious meals for pickup and takeout”.
As we were handing out these nutritious and delicious meals today another who came said:
“It’s not just about the food, it’s about community, it’s about doing for others, it’s about love.”
Another said:
“Thank you all for doing this, food, plus I get to go outside and see other people and say hi even from 6 feet away.”
I hope you are all doing well during this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. It is a very difficult time for ourselves, our families, our center family, our community and our nation. It is important that we all follow the orders that are given. Stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, sanitize, don’t touch your face and try to find the positives, exercise, eat well, get adequate rest and we will get through this together. Ballard NW Senior Center, “The Friendly Center”, has for 47 years been here to support, provide services, listen, celebrate the good times and lend a hand when an extra shoulder is needed. We are still here to help and support as best we can even though the center is closed. Staff continues to provide resources and support.
However, I am concerned. The COVID-19 Virus is hitting our population the hardest. We have been told to stay at home and that is good advice. But, again I am worried because isolation is detrimental to our physical and mental wellbeing. Please find ways to have a positive outlook and communicate with others whether by e-mail, text, face time or the good old phone!
As noted above, while the center is closed we are offering Chef Lori’s take-out meals either to be picked up between 12 and 1 on a first come first served basis or limited delivery in our area. We offer pick up a meal service at the center Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (2 meals on Thursday) because no pickup service on Friday. Suggested donation $4.00 per meal. Delivery Service only on Tuesday and Thursday. You will receive 2 nourishing meals and a container of soup each of those days. The suggested donation is $10.00 per day for this package. To request delivery, see instructions in the takeout meals section.
I’m also deeply concerned about the center financial state. We had to postpone our auction to 9/20/2020 and our other fundraisers have to be postponed also. But here is how you can help the center and allow us to be able to continue our services.
How can you help? Make a donation, hit the donate button on this page. Whether it’s $1.00 or $1,000 and any amount in between, it will help stabilize our finances.
Thanks so much, watch for more updates, and keep smiling.
Love,
Carlye
Executive Director of Ballard NW Senior Center