Senior Center drive through gives out healthy produce and ice cream

The first of two planned senior citizen-oriented farmers market drive throughs took place June 12 at Blackshear Church of God. Under the guidance of Senior Center Director Lynn Platt and with the assistance of several volunteers from a variety of agencies, including law enforcement from both Blackshear and the Sheriff's Office, local seniors were treated to supplemental produce and a tasty treat of ice cream.

In keeping with a summery 1950s theme, several workers at the event including Platt herself, dressed in 50s fashions in spite of the high temperatures. Three classic cars were also on display as drivers exited the church parking lot. Best of all, they enjoyed one of four cold, tasty treats chosen from a menu as they entered the drive through. An anonymous donor footed the bill for each driver to get a taste of ice cream to go with the healthy produce distributed at the drive through. Nutty Buddy seemed to be one of the more popular choices.

There were also several stations manned by various programs seeking to get the word out about their services to local seniors, including Hospice Satilla, the Department of Family and Child Services (DFCS) and the Georgia State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). DFCS was sharing information about the ongoing need for foster and adoptive parents. SHIP representative Bernita Simpson was present to let seniors know there is help available to navigate the registration process for their services.

Officers from the Blackshear Police Department were on hand to load and deliver bags of produce to 48 seniors in Heritage Village. Meanwhile, the Sheriff's office delivered disbursements of nutritional aid to homebound seniors in the county at large.

In an attempt to reach other seniors who might not be able to reach Blackshear, the next senior farmers market event will be held in Offerman. The event is set for August 1. Please call the Pierce County Senior Center at 912-449-0145 for more information.