Community foundation grant helping center during closure

The Imperial Community Center (ICC) was the recipient of a grant from the Imperial Community Foundation Fund (ICFF) last month.
The last day lunch was served in the dining room at ICC was March 16.
Since then, the center moved to a drive-up noon meal service and continues to provide home deliveries as they previously did.
The thrift shop housed in the center has been closed. The monthly Sunday dinners have also been temporarily discontinued.
ICC board chairman Dave Bauerle said the $500 ICFF grant will help with the cost of the raw food used for meals.
Despite the pandemic, meals are still available. Deliveries are made for Meals on Wheels as usual and those who used to come to the center now pick theirs up.
Seniors and those with underlying health issues who are interested in the drive-up option just need to call the center before 9:30 a.m. that morning to reserve meals.
The center’s phone number is 308-882-5343.
A suggested donation of $6 per meal is asked of those 60 and older.
“Although the Community Center offers folks an opportunity for daily meals, a key element is the camaraderie with other people as well as social activities,” said Lori Pankonin, ICFF committee member.
“It’s a tough time when those are taken away. ICFF has reached out to offer financial assistance to help keep the center going in hopes the social opportunities will be possible soon,” she added.