Fate of Randolph Co. senior center unclear

A Mid-Missouri senior center is struggling to stay afloat after it shut down about two weeks ago.

The center in Higbee that used to deliver meals to about 80 homebound seniors had been running in the red for years.

Leaders met behind closed doors Monday to talk about how to save the facility.

One committee member told ABC 17 News they’re going to ask for community donations to keep the doors open. He said he was cautiously optimistic about the facility.

Seniors depended on the meals 5 days a week. The center finally had to suspend operations after months of not being able to pay the $17,000 a month it takes to keep it open.

Which unfortunately means some seniors in the area are going without their food.

The committee said their current plan to ask Higbee and surrounding communities to donate the almost $4,000 a month they need to keep the center out of deficit.

Following a Friday night community meeting, the center was able to raise about $17,000 for the center with the help of a benefactor. According to State Representative John Wright, the acquisition of the funds does not mean the center will open immediately. Leaders said they’re going to meet with officials in 5 nearby towns including Moberly to see if they will also help support the center. They’re planning to meet October 6 to talk about fundraising efforts.