Stamford Senior Center Annual Appeal Underway

The Stamford Senior Center’s annual appeal is currently underway, raising critical funds for the vibrant nonprofit that is a vital lifeline for many of Stamford’s older citizens.

The Stamford Senior Center offers life-enhancing opportunities and essential support for its nearly 900 members, and this year’s annual appeal takes on even greater significance. The organization’s yearly Lives Blossom fundraiser did not take place this past spring. The annual tradition, which typically raises critical funds for the Stamford Senior Center’s wide array of active and engaging programing, was cancelled for the safety of the community.

Mid-March the organization suspended all onsite programs, however, it never stopped supporting its members. Instead, the Stamford Senior Center pivoted to deliver a wide range of online and innovative drive-through offerings as well as food delivery services to keep our community’s seniors healthy and engaged. In the past six months the organization has delivered over 5,000 prepared meals and 1,200 bags of groceries to seniors, conducted online fitness classes to over 825 older adults, held monthly ‘Grab-n’-Go’ events, and weekly online learning opportunities.

“We became a senior center without walls, immediately delivering prepared meals and groceries to seniors who needed them, moving programs online and creating inventive and festive drive-through events. We understand that prolonged social isolation can lead to depression and negative health effects and are working hard to keep our members healthy and safely involved,” said Christina Crain, Stamford Senior Center Executive Director.

Indeed, the pandemic has been especially challenging for older adults. The risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with seniors at the highest risk. According to the CDC, eight out of ten COVID-19-related deaths reported in the United States have been among those aged 65 years and older. This heightened risk means seniors must take greater precautions, creating social isolation and loneliness as some of the most affected health outcomes.

“As we continue to deliver meals, expand online programing and also prepare to re-open the Center, we ask the community to support us at this critical time so that we can keep seniors safe, healthy and engaged. The help is needed now more than ever before,” said Crain.

Donations can be made online at www.stamfordseniorct.org or by mail to The Stamford Senior Center 888 Washington Blvd. Stamford, CT 06901.

The Stamford Senior Center is a nonprofit, non-sectarian organization established in 1996 to help serve the needs of Stamford's older adult population. The organization provides affordable opportunities for older adults in the greater Stamford area to be active and healthy in mind and body and remain connected to their community in a welcoming, safe and diverse environment. To learn more, visit www.stamfordseniorct.org or call 203-977-5151.