For many, the holidays bring an annual rekindling of hope, filling hearts with the desire to give to those in need. But where can you and your family start? We’re glad you asked! Here in Boerne, charitable opportunities abound, so we got some ideas from a local nonprofit expert and the leader of one great place for families to help—The Center.
Located in the Kronkosky Place, The Center serves as a place where the local aging population can come for many activities, services, and opportunities. Its mission is “Enriching the quality of life for older adults,” and it’s a mission that CEO Olivia Burdick takes very seriously.
“Our older adults have given so much to this community and our society in general,” Burdick says. “It’s now our turn to give back to them and show them how important they are. Sometimes, people today are so full steam ahead that we don’t recognize those who came before and built this for all of us to thrive in. That’s our focus here. To make this the best, most special place that really tries to honor and respect our seniors.”
The organization opened in 1983 with a focus on nutrition. The Center provides countless opportunities today thanks to excellent partnership programs and a dependable group of volunteers. Programs focus on educational enrichment, health and wellness, fitness, arts and crafts, and even meeting transportation needs. Plus, social and entertainment engagements help aging older adults build friendships and community.
To be clear, the nutritional component is still a central focus. The Center serves healthy lunches Monday through Friday in the dining room and is also the hub of the Kendall County branch of Meals on Wheels.
“Becoming a Meals on Wheels driver is a great way to volunteer as a family,” Burdick says. Beyond the food, volunteers also provide a wellness check and social interaction for recipients, which is essential for our more isolated neighbors. “Sometimes our drivers are the only people our clients see on a regular basis,” Burdick says. “So to make that personal connection and give a daily check is very valuable.”
The Center sees an influx of volunteer interest during the holidays, and Burdick is eager to accommodate. Thanksgiving and Christmas meals require extra hands in the full-service dining room, and additional help is also needed during November’s “Le Diner En Blanc” Gala, a fundraising event The Center hosts each year.
Organizing collection drives is another great way to get involved. Canned goods, pet food, blankets, socks, toiletries, and more—these resources go a long way toward making the daily lives of our aging community members comfortable.
Monetary donations are always welcome and crucial, but Burdick says it truly is the thought that counts. “The feedback that we get from these gestures is tremendous. [Clients] tell us how special it feels that someone is thinking about them,” she says. “Something as simple as making a card. Or even kids who love to make bracelets or draw pictures; they could just create for a purpose. That could really, truly make an impact on somebody.” Burdick also suggests small gift bags or donations to their lending library and the on-site volunteer-run thrift store, The Closet. The store boasts a large selection of clothing, shoes, accessories, home décor, and more.
“We have a significant aging population,” Burdick emphasizes. “The 60+ population is larger than it’s ever been before. Add in Kendall County’s tremendous growth and economic factors, and we are experiencing a greater demand for our services.” But Burdick says the uptick in clients served—from 1400 to 1900 since 2022—is encouraging because it demonstrates that older adults are taking a proactive approach to aging healthfully. “I love that they want to be engaged, to participate and stay active.”
While The Center’s membership is $25 per year, no one will ever be turned away based on finances. She encourages interested adults and prospective volunteer families to stop by for a tour and get involved today. “So many people come to tour our facilities and say, ‘I had no idea. This is the best-kept secret!’ And I don’t want to be the best-kept secret. I want everybody to know what we offer so people can help a friend or a family member in our community.”
thecenterboerne.org | 830-249-2114 | 17 Old San Antonio Rd.
“Our older adults have given so much to this community and our society in general. It’s now our turn to give back to them and show them how important they are.”
“Something as simple as making a card. Or even kids who love to make bracelets or draw pictures; they could just create for a purpose. That could really, truly make an impact on somebody.”