Pay It Forward: Ririe Community and Senior Center
RIRIE, Idaho (KXPI) - This Pay It Forward takes us to a community and senior center operated entirely by volunteers. Eyewitness News 3 anchor Todd Kunz wanted to see how they are making a difference. So he stopped by to Pay It Forward.
Iola Syverson has been overseeing the books of the Ririe Community and Senior Center since 2012. Her husband Kendall Syverson was made president in 2017. They have been busy ever since serving meals to the seniors every Tuesday and Friday.
"But we also deliver frozen meals, so that the people have a meal a day for the home-delivered," said Kendall. The frozen meals get the person through until the next delivery day, whether it is Tuesday or Friday. It is an entire different part of this kitchen operation and it runs smoothly with this crew. Once the meals are cooked, they are sealed, packed, loaded, and then the delivery goes out.
The Syversons said this could not be done without all the volunteers, 26 of them to be exact. The organization does get help from others, but that only takes care of the staffing. There are other demands and the need to be fed is high.
"But our grocery bill has just gone through the roof the last 18 months," said Kendall. They get food donations from Albertsons, WinCo, and Walmart. But that's where we come in.
Time to Pay It Forward.
"Hi, Tyson Campbell," said a man walking in and interrupting the interview, and shaking hands with Kendall and Iola.
"Hi," said Kendall.
"I'm from Mountain America Credit Union, and we just heard about what you guys are doing here at the Ririe Senior Center, heard about all the great volunteers you guys have, and how you guys are able to make things work around here to be able to feed our senior citizens, which is phenomenal. And we wanted to take an opportunity to Pay It Forward by giving you guys a donation of $500," said Campbell, as he handed the cash and envelope to Iola.
"Wow," said Kendall.
"Wow. That will help," said Iola.
"Wow," repeated Kendall.
"Thank you so much for everything you guys do," said Campbell.
"Well, thank you. Thank you," said Kendall.
"Absolutely," said Campbell.
"Alright!" said Kendall.
"How about that?" asked Kunz, standing off to the side.
"How about that," repeated Kendall.
The Syversons said the center serves nearly 140 people whether in-house or home-delivered. They are selling coupon books and will have a fall carnival coming up for Halloween to support their cause.
"Pay It Forward" stories air the second Wednesday of every month. If you know of a nonprofit organization or someone who deserves to be recognized for their contributions to the area, click on "News" then "Pay It Forward" under the menu stack at the top left of our homepage. Fill out the submission form, or send an email to Eyewitness News 3 anchor Todd Kunz at todd.kunz@news3now.com.
