Anderson County’s Golden Years Jamboree is not just a day of education and fun for senior adults. It’s also an annual fundraiser, and this year Caroline Community Center in Williamston was the beneficiary.
Funds raised from vendor participation in the annual Golden Years Jamboree are donated to projects or facilities dedicated to the county’s senior adult population, according to Kelly Jo Barnwell, coordinator of Anderson County Senior Citizens Program. During this year’s Jamboree, a check for $9,825 was presented to Williamston Action Community Club to help fund a new roof for the Caroline Community Center.
Since 2016, Golden Years Jamboree has raised $60,000 to support programs for area seniors, Barnwell said.
“Collaborating with organizations like the Williamston Action Community Club helps us reach into the heart of our community,” Barnwell said. “Facilities like Caroline Community Center are so important for our seniors. It’s where they meet, exercise, socialize and build memories.”
Built as a school in 1952, Caroline Community Center has been serving the senior adult population in Williamston, Pelzer, West Pelzer and Belton since 2008. In addition to a new roof, the building’s five HVAC units need to be replaced, said Diallo Moore of Williamston Action Community Club. The estimate for repairs is nearly $50,000.
Caroline Community Center receives operating assistance from the Town of Williamston and Anderson County. The town also maintains the grounds and handles trash removal. However, funds to repair the building are being raised through donations, Moore said.
“We are so grateful to Golden Years Jamboree for choosing Caroline Community Center to receive these funds,” Moore said. “This will help us tremendously.”
Caroline Community Center presently is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Activities include exercise programs, line dancing and Bible study.
Those wishing to help fund repairs at Caroline Community Center can go HERE to donate.
