Samaritan Center celebrating 25 years of giving

In its 25 years of existence, the Samaritan Center has helped "literally tens of thousands" of people through its assistance programs, according to Executive Director Tony Dahlberg.

The public is invited to share in the celebration of that and the center's continued existence through a series of special activities Monday, Oct. 24.

photo Wendy Boyd, Liz McCormick, Ruth Holt, Georgia O'Brien, Patsy Henry, Linda Shriver-Buckner, Cheryl Torres and Tanya Jansen, from left, are preparing a grand celebration in honor of the Samaritan Center's 25th anniversary.

"When the community celebrates with us they're really celebrating their heart for their neighbor," Dahlberg said. "Through all the years, many people have been a part of making this center what it has been and what it still is today. It is a reflection of a caring community."

Music will begin at 1:45 p.m. Following a welcome and introduction by Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and several of the center's board members at 2 p.m., the facility will host visitors for refreshments and tours, with surprise deals and prizes offered randomly throughout the day.

Volunteers will demonstrate the day in and day out for those who wander in throughout the day.

"We want to make it fun but at the same time an opportunity to learn about what we do in the community, but in a fun and interesting way," said the center's marketing director Cheryl Torres. "It's a celebration ... in appreciation for the community that's been part of we what do for the last 25 years."

The celebration not only comes at the end of a quarter-decade, but also at the beginning of what is annually the busiest time of year for the center. The holidays are a time of rejoicing for most, but for many they can also be a burden.

The center will soon kick off its annual Campaign for Community, which seeks to raise $200,000 to help people year-round. Citizens are encouraged to make donations in the store.

"This is a very busy time for us, especially with all we've been involved with the tornado recovery, which is still a very significant thing we're dealing with here," Dahlberg said.

He added that many in the community also benefit from using the center's thrift store to "stretch their budget," and encouraged everyone to help support the center and people it serves in any way possible.

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