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The Oasis Senior Center, located at
2810 Woodlawn Road in Lincoln, has benefited from some recent
community donations, which helps them with supporting seniors in
need.
Oasis Program Director and Office Manager Shellie Jones said Kylie
Fricke recently hosted a Bingo Heist. With this heist, BINGO cards
were “kidnapped” and were set free when people “paid a ransom”
through donations.
The donations to “rescue the BINGO cards” included toilet paper,
soap, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, cleaning supplies, kitchen
towels, snacks and candies, puzzles, puzzle books, blankets, razors,
shaving cream, blankets, bath towels and wash cloths. Jones said the
Oasis received hundreds of donations from the Bingo Heist, which
wrapped up at the end of September.
The Oasis Senior Center also got many donations from a food drive
organized by Janelle Woolard of Gentiva Hospice. Lesleigh and
Christopher Bennett let Gentiva utilize Holland, Barry and Bennett
Funeral Home as a drop off location. Jones said between 150 and 200
items were donated for the food pantry at the Oasis.
Once a month, Oasis has a drive-thru
food pantry for low-income seniors. Jones said with the help of a
grant, she and Krista Miller have been purchasing extra food from
the food bank in Springfield. They often try to buy tuna, chicken,
peanut butter, beans and rice, so people have more protein. Jones
said they try to stay away from getting sugary items but do try to
put a few treats in the bags.
People can get four or five bags of
food from the food pantry and Jones said they try to put in items to
provide at least two complete dinners and two breakfasts. The next
drive-thru food pantry will be Thursday, November 13 from 10-11:30
a.m.
To help keep the Oasis running Jones said donations are always
needed and appreciated.
Jones also wants people to be aware of all the services and
activities provided at the Oasis. For instance, people can make
appointments to get help with Medicare open enrollment from someone
from the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland (AgeLinc). From now
until December 7 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and most Fridays, AgeLinc
counselors are available to answer questions about Medicare plans
and coverage.
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Benefits access is
available on Tuesdays by appointment. Jones said those who are
eligible for this service can get a license plate sticker for just
$10 for two years.
The Land of Lincoln Legal aid is available by appointment on the
third Wednesday of each month from 9 am to 3 pm.
Nurses perform blood pressure checks Fridays from 10-11:30. To get
exercise, people can utilize the workout room or outdoor track
Activities throughout the week at the Oasis include BINGO on Tuesday
nights at 6:30, Pinochle on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from
12-3, Mahjong on Wednesdays from 12-2, Euchre on Wednesdays and
Fridays from 9-12, Spades on Mondays from 9-12 and Bridge on Mondays
from 1-3.
“Sew What’s Happening” is offered the second and fourth Tuesday of
each month from 10 am-12pm. This group, which is geared towards
those who do craftwork such as quilting, embroidery and crocheting,
gives people a chance to work on projects and socialize.
Jones said the biggest fundraiser for Oasis is GlowBingo. It will be
held November 7 at the American Legion on 1740 5th Street with doors
opening at 5 and Bingo starting at 6. Tickets are $35 and you can
preregister at
oasisseniorcenter.com. Tickets will be available at the door
that evening for $40. Snacks are provided and dinner is available
for purchase. There will also be raffles, specialty games, a 50/50
drawing and contests from the best glowing costume and best
celebrity look alike.
Thursday, December 11 from 4-6:30 is the “Oasis Famous Chicken
Dinner.” The dine in or drive through meal is $12 and includes
chicken and stuffing topped with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetables,
roll and dessert.
The support and contributions from the community are what enable
Oasis Senior Center to provide valuable services for senior
citizens.
[Angela Reiners]
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