Olney Cub Center Raising Funds to Offset Inflation, Cuts

The Olney Senior Cub Center is looking for singers, dancers, comedians, musicians, and other performers willing to donate their talents for a good cause - nutrition for the growing number of low-income seniors.

The Second Annual Variety Show, set for July 13 at 6:30 p.m., will raise money for the Cub Center’s Meals on Wheels and congregate dining programs at a time when rising food costs and growing demand are straining the organization’s budget more than ever before.

“We currently serve about 100 meals a day,” Executive Director Angela Lockard told the Enterprise’s Olney On Air podcast last week. “That’s for congregate and Meals on Wheels, and both programs are struggling right now. But we’re out there on the front lines just making sure people are getting fed and trying to hook them up with resources.”

The Cub Center serves lunch at noon, five days a week, and also delivers Meals on Wheels throughout the community. The dining room is open to the public, not just seniors, with a suggested contribution of $5 for those over 60 and $7 for younger diners.

Board member Valorie Mahler said the center’s mission drew her in more than a decade ago and has kept her committed ever since.

“I just love it,” Ms. Mahler said. “I think the mission is vital to Olney, and the people we serve, they’re always so grateful. It is something that I feel compelled to be a part of.”

The need has only intensified in recent years.

Ms. Lockard said the Cub Center’s food costs have nearly doubled since before the pandemic, even as reimbursement funding has failed to keep pace.

“In 2019, food costs were $40,000,” she said. “Fast-forward seven years later, and we’re on schedule to spend nearly double that.”

At the same time, the cen- ter has a growing waiting list for Meals on Wheels services.

“We currently have five on the waiting list, with the longest wait being since November,” Ms. Lockard said.

Complicating matters further is the structure of the state and federal reimbursement system that helps fund senior nutrition programs. When participants leave the program because of hospitalization, relocation or death, the Cub Center cannot immediately replace those reimbursable slots until the next fiscal year begins Oct. 1, even though demand continues to rise.

“Despite having those people drop off, we’re still serving the same amount of meals because there’s constantly increasing need,” Ms. Lockard said.

Ms. Mahler and Ms. Lockard said the center also fills an important social role for many seniors who might otherwise spend much of their time alone. In addition to meals, the Cub Center hosts activities such as bingo, dances, movies, and classes that foster fellowship

and keep seniors connected to the community.

T he July variety show is one effort to bridge the widening financial gap while bringing the community together in support of local seniors.

Organizers are seeking all kinds of performers, from solo singers and church groups to instrumentalists, comedians, dancers, and novelty acts. Businesses and individuals also can help through sponsorships, monetary donations, volunteer support, or donations of supplies and food items for the center’s meal programs.

Ms. Lockard said every contribution matters because the need in Olney is growing rapidly as more seniors require assistance with meals and transportation.

Those interested in performing in the variety show or making a donation can contact the Olney Senior Cub Center for more information. To hear more about this conversation, check out the Olney On Air podcast on Applie podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.