AEP Ohio to Help Lawrence County Senior Center

Like many organizations affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the Lawrence County Senior Center has seen better days. Before COVID-19 hit, the center was already in a time of transition, operating out of a cramped single-wide mobile trailer until they could relocate into a bigger facility. Then the pandemic essentially shut down the operation. The health risk to congregating seniors was far too great to continue social activities.

The good news is that a brighter future is ahead once life can begin to return to normal post-COVID. A $4,500 donation from AEP Ohio through the AEP Foundation will help fund the popular lunches — often including craft projects and entertainment – that are attended by up to 45 people three times each week. These healthy lunches provide nutrition and camaraderie to a group often in critical need of both.

“A lot of our seniors don’t have anyone else in their lives besides each other,” said Michelle Rule, a vice president for City National Bank who sits on the organization’s board of directors. “They really are in need.”

Though groundbreaking is delayed by the coronavirus, a new facility is also set for construction. This new home will allow the organization to move from its Chesapeake trailer to a large, modern facility at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds in Proctorville.

It all adds up to bright light at the end of the COVID tunnel. The seniors are eager to get together again to chat with their friends. And AEP Ohio is proud to provide much needed support that will help make that happen when it’s safe to do so.

“It’s just a blessing when companies like AEP Ohio step up and help seniors,” Rule said. “Sometimes these folks do get left behind. We like to think we’re helping to keep them going.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the organization can go to the Lawrence County Senior Center Facebook page or call Darlene Greene at (304) 972-7144.