On Thursday morning June 18, the Wetzel County Senior center began a drive through food pantry. The program is a result of the Moundsville Helping Hand visiting the Steelton Center, and asking if they could be of any help, supporting a program needed in the county.

Mary Ash, Center Director in conversation with them, first discussed the need for help with rent at the AAA Trailer Court. Mary explained the new owners, purchased the court and increased the cost of rent beyond the ability of some to pay. They also talked about supporting a food pantry for seniors 60 and over.

After evaluating the funding Helping Hand was able to support, it was decided that a monthly food distribution would serve the needs of more citizens. Mary stated, “The cost of food has risen so high, it is difficult for seniors in the county to purchase basic food needs. We have people in this county that live on as little as $50 to $700 a month. When you figure rent, expenses, utilities and food, you have to wonder how some manage to survive. These bags of food can help to feed a family for a short time. Fortunately, there are other food distribution organizations in the area. It is through the generosity of these organizations and donations; needy families and seniors can have meals to prepare.

“We not only include food items, but we also include paper towels, toilet paper and personal items with the distributions. We even include a bag of cookies. Under new guidelines from the state and federal government, many items have been excluded. We believe seniors should have a cookie to conclude their meal,” said Mary Ash.

The Senior Food Pantry will be held the third Thursday of each month. Those wishing to visit the pantry can drive by the lower doors of the center from 9:30 until 11:00. Members of the center’s staff will be there to hand out the donations.

“We provide these services to those who ask for help, it is an economic need, but we are not going to check finances. We believe people will be honest concerning their situation.”

The third Thursday is a busy day for the Senior Center. The drive by food pantry will be operating, and inside the building staff will be distributing Farmers Market coupons.

In the morning. At 10:00 on Thursday’s, they have an exercise class that uses drums, rubber balls and chairs to work out. On the third Thursday at noon, the center prepares a covered dish meal for seniors that is sponsored by Citizens Bank of West Virginia located in New Martinsville.

Mary explained. “This is the first time this program has been opened to the public, we were not sure if one or fifty would show up for the food distribution. Benny and Cathy Tharp came by Wednesday afternoon and packed the bags for that day’s distribution.”

“If anyone would like to help pack bags, if they come by on the third Wednesday in the afternoon, their help would be appreciated.”

The Wetzel Senior Center is busy every day with activities. At the present time the center is operated by six management staff members. In addition to the activities at the center, it also works with in-home services for the elderly. At the current time 40 individuals work in home service and transportation in Wetzel County. Mary stated that between the activities in the center and in home services, the agency helps approximately 500 individuals a month.

Currently the staff at the center is preparing for their annual picnic held during Town and Country Days. Each year, the picnic hosts between 300 and 500 guests for a meal, bingo, and live entertainment.

The Wetzel County Senior Center almost goes unnoticed by many in the community. But the center’s staff of six, has a service footprint that is spread across the entire county. Between weekly services and the new food bank, literally hundreds of community members benefit from the agency.

For those who may believe that government hand out programs are a waste and fraudulently operated. Mary explained that the center undergoes as many as a dozen audits by the state and federal governments. Every penny is scrutinized to ensure it is being spent properly. The Wetzel County Senior Center can stretch a dollar a long way, and that ability benefits hundreds of our friends and neighbors. If you would like to donate time to help others, contact Mary Ash at the Wetzel County Senior Center.