Republic Services, a recycling and solid waste service provider in St. Johns County, recently renewed an annual grant in support of seniors at Council on Aging’s Ponte Vedra Beach senior center, THE PLAYERS Community Senior Center. Bill Brinkley, general manager for Republic Services, presented the nonprofit organization with a check for $30,000 which will help provide transportation and lunch services for seniors at the center for an entire year. For more than 5 years, Republic Services has made the generous contribution annually in support of Ponte Vedra area seniors.
“We are extremely grateful to Republic Services for their continued commitment to local seniors,” said Becky Yanni, executive director of Council on Aging. “Without their support, many seniors would not have transportation to our senior center, nor would they be able to enjoy a nutritious meal together. The senior center is crucial to the health and happiness of seniors in Ponte Vedra and northeast St. Johns County. We are grateful to have Republic Services as a trusted partner in our mission.”
Studies show that isolation and loneliness are detrimental to the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of older adults. Senior centers provide a welcoming and stimulating place for seniors to socialize, pursue existing and new interests, have fun and enjoy nutritious meals together. COA’s THE PLAYERS Community Senior Center, located at 175 Landrum Lane, offers residents a wide array of activities including yoga, tai chi, exercise, arts, music, games, lectures and more.
“When my late husband and I visited the center for the first time, we knew immediately that this was ‘home’,” center participant Darlene Tye said. “We made friendships that have lasted for almost 9 years.” She continued, “Though my husband passed away 4 years ago, those friendships have been more than one person could expect to fill such a void. We are able to laugh, even cry as needed, and enjoy the excellent selection of entertainment and lunches. And we don’t pass up a lot of laughs together!”
“Republic Services is happy to be involved in serving the seniors of Ponte Vedra and northeast St. Johns County,” Bill Brinkley said. “We believe in giving back, and our elders deserve our support.”
Council on Aging has served seniors throughout St. Johns County for the 47 years, providing an extensive array of services in support of seniors’ health, independence and community involvement. Services include Meals on Wheels, adult day care, case management, memory enhancement, paratransit, prescription assistance, caregiver support and more. As a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, COA relies heavily upon the generosity of individual donors, business partners and volunteers to help older adults enjoy quality of life at every age.
To find out how you can join in COA’s efforts and make a difference in the lives of local seniors, call Tom Torretta at (904) 209-3700 or email ttorretta@coasjc.org. For more information, visit www.coasjc.org .
