Sally Angelle

sally.angelle@techetoday.com

Breaux Bridge – Facing a budget deficit of more than $38,000 for the 2013 fiscal year, the St. Martin Council on Aging is trying to raise money to make up the difference.

Currently the Council of Aging serves 175 meals per day to seniors throughout St. Martin Parish. Because of the increase in the cost of food, more than 30 meal slots are in jeopardy.

At the monthly board meeting held Thursday, April 19, Gwen Robertson, executive director, handed out a letter seeking participation in a program called Sponsor a Senior. Organizations, businesses and individuals can sponsor a senior for as little as $20 a week.

Hot Dogs for Seniors is a fund-raiser being held Wednesday, May 23, where you can purchase a hot dog with chili, chips, drink and cookie for $6. Proceeds go to Meals on Wheels which delivers hot, nutritious food to home-bound seniors Monday thru Friday for a $1 donation.

Meals of Wheels is just one of the services provided by the Council on Aging. Other services include homemaker services, transportation, medication management, inhome respite care and sitters.

The COA is governed by an 11-member board of directors. Members include Sandy LeBlanc, president; Cecilia Jane Dupuis, vice-president; Robert Theriot, treasurer; Tina Begnaud, secretary; Jill Hebert, Terri Erwin, Charlene E. Hill, Rita Lewis, Ginny Higgins, Melba Malveaux and Eric Martin.

In January the board named longtime employee Gwen Robertson executive director.

The St. Martin Council on Aging has a payroll of more than 20 with an operating budget of $308,246 beginning July 2012.

Council on Aging is located in the Sydnie Mae Durand Activity Center in Breaux Bridge and serves as an information center to seniors over the age of 60.

Any person or business interested in making a donation or sponsoring a senior should contact Robertson at 332-3063.