Courtesy Photo Alpena Senior Citizens Center Executive Director Annie Hepburn, left, receives a check from Banner Realty Broker Margie Haaxma. The funds will be used toward meals and special projects at the senior center.

ALPENA — Banner Realty of Alpena has made a donation to the Alpena Senior Citizens Center for meals and special projects.

Annie Hepburn, executive director of the Alpena Senior Citizens Center, wasthe recipient of a generous check on behalf of the center.

“It’s a joy to support the work of the dedicated, energetic and seemingly tireless staff at the center,” said Banner Realty Broker/Owner Margie Haaxma. “They provide such wonderful support and numerous activities for the surrounding communities’ aging population.”

These funds will be used to serve extra meals during the COVID-19 pandemic and for the increased demand during special holidays.

The Senior Center serves seniors 60 years and older and provides an average of 5,400 meals a month. Meals on Wheels and curbside pickup Monday thru Friday is available by calling the center before 10 a.m. to inform them you will be picking up a meal. They will bring the meal to your car. The suggested donation is $3.50 per senior meal for lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Federal and state grants cover only a portion of the meals provided.

“Donations are important to the Alpena Senior Citizens Center and that is why this donation is especially helpful,” Hepburn said.

In addition to meals served, the center is providing Zoom exercising at 10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The center has recently started a book club with the University of Michigan Flint to encourage good nutrition and wellness and offers dementia support and materials.

The center remains closed to the general public, although it is open for assistance for the above stated programs.

For more information and for making reservations for the center’s food program, call 989-356-3586.

“We thank Banner Realty so much for this generous donation in celebrating their 30-year anniversary,” Hepburn said. “It is greatly appreciated and we are so grateful for Banner Realty’s continued support.”