EG Senior Center receives much needed financial help from James R. Johnson Trust fund

The Eagle Grove Senior Center has been around for many decades, giving the elderly population a place to come for a warm meal and friendly conversation. For some, according to Loretta Baker, president of the Senior Center, it’s their only outside contact with people for the day. She added that the number of people using the facility is on the rise, serving an average of 65 - 69 meals a day a year ago at this time, to serving between 82 - 88 meals currently. While this is fantastic, it is also a bit troublesome as the funding is running out.

“We are going to be short money for food,” said Baker, adding that it’s due in large part to the state not re-evaluating their situation of growth. She said she’s tried numerous times to get them to; but with no success.

While it is “suggested” that those eating meals contribute anywhere from $4.40 to $8.10 per meal, Baker assures that nobody is ever left without food.

“You pay what you can,” she said.

With an aging population, the number of users could rise. Baker encourages each of us to contact our State Legislatures and request them to re-evaluate our situation in Eagle Grove.

Concern and Meals-On-Wheels also operate out of this building.

In addition to food expenses, there are also basic operating and building expenses that must be addressed like utilities and equipment repair. Baker is grateful to have received some help in this area recently due to a contribution from the James R. Johnson Trust. Johnson was a 1946 graduate of Eagle Grove High School who found success in the Navy and business world. He remembered his hometown by gave financial support to Dollars for Scholars, Our Foundation for the Future, Boys Scouts, the Senior Citizens Center, and more. He also established a Charitable Trust Fund, of which he named Dick Cahalan and Curtis Hause the executors. A James R. Johnson donor advised fund was then established through the Wright County Charitable Foundation.

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