The Saratoga Senior Center would like the thank the community for participating and donating to our "RISE UP Challenge," which helped us raise $10,000 for seniors' needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help meet our goal, MVP Health Care has generously gifted the first $2,500 donation.

When COVID-19 took hold, as an essential service, the Saratoga Senior Center immediately hit the ground running with check-in and reassurance calls to ensure the needs of at-risk and homebound seniors were being met. We delivered food and basic care items to seniors' doorsteps; shopped for and delivered groceries; and also distributed donated produce, bread items, lunches, and other essential supports such as masks, hand sanitizers, puzzles, books and so much more. The Center also transitioned its in-house classes to Zoom and increased online and social media communications to keep seniors engaged at home while remaining healthy and safe. Following Covid guidelines, we opened our doors to seniors again in July while still providing online classes as well so all participants have options to stay connected and safe.

With colder months approaching, the need for seniors to remain safe and home will only continue. The Saratoga Senior Center will continue to meet seniors' needs over the next year and continue to provide innovative programs and services while funding is significantly reduced.
"The pandemic has taken a toll on our communities and the critical non-profits that take care of them," said Ellen Sax, MVP Health Care's Vice President of Community Engagement. "At MVP Health Care, it's our mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. We are proud to support The Saratoga Senior Center as they do important work to take care of seniors in the Saratoga region while they face an increased risk of COVID-19."

Lois Celeste, Executive Director of The Saratoga Senior Center said "we cannot thank our partners enough for rising to the challenge. During these unique times, it's companies like MVP and our community members who have kept us going. Now more than ever, even a donation of $10 goes a long way to helping us meet our goal."