Senior Center fundraiser begins

As kids line up to see Santa Claus at the Kalispell Center Mall, a few people in the background will be wrapping presents to go under the tree this season.

From Black Friday to Christmas Eve, Kalispell Senior Center volunteers take turns wrapping shoppers’ presents. Cathy Herron, the manager of the Kalispell Senior Center, said the local nonprofit made roughly $4,000 dollars last year off the fundraiser, known as It’s a Wrap.

“People decide how much they want to donate for the service, which comes with a bow and all,” Herron said. “It’s pretty amazing how much is accomplished. Last year was our best year yet, and we’re hoping to see even more this year.”

The center’s volunteers are located in the mall, adjacent to JCPenney, seven days a week. Volunteer wrappers are at the table Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

De Boyce, the president of the Kalispell Senior Center, said the fundraiser helps the public catch an image of what it looks like to be part of the center’s community.

“A lot of people think, ‘I’m not a senior yet — I may be 80 years old, but I’m not a senior yet.’ It’s a matter of seeing a senior doesn’t mean you sit in a chair and do nothing,” she said. “This fundraiser makes the senior center more visible, we do exist, we’re not just old folks.”

Boyce said while it’s just the start of the holiday season, the group’s table has already seen an increase in business this year due to its prime location behind Santa.

Boyce said she hopes to see at least $5,000 come in over the next month from It’s a Wrap.

“All the money goes back to the senior center, to help pay for supplies, for classes, some art supplies or games — everything we do takes supplies and somehow, of course, everything costs money,” she said.

Boyce said the center’s funding largely comes from grants and is partially supported by membership fees. She said the roughly 150 center members have access the center’s courses, like ballroom dancing. Others who step into the center pay a fee, such as $1 to join a board game.

“We don’t charge a lot, but it helps offset the price, that’s why fundraisers like this one are so important,” Boyce said.

She said throughout the month of wrapping, at least three volunteers are at the wrapping station at all times. But, she said it can be hard to find the bodies to help wrap and bow the items shoppers drop off. Boyce said to ensure the center has a three-person team there at all times, she’s already contributed about 20 hours to the fundraiser since it kicked off Nov. 25.

People interested in volunteering for It’s a Wrap or who want to learn more about the Kalispell Senior Center can call 406-257-1598.

Reporter Katheryn Houghton may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at khoughton@dailyinterlake.com.