VIDALIA, La. &045; When it comes to senior citizens, the Concordia Council on Aging does it all.

But they can’t do it without support from the community &045; namely, in the form of financial donations.

That’s especially true, said Executive Director Dorothy McDonald, &uot;since we’ve been cut 15 percent three years in a row&uot; by state and federal funding sources.

The Council on Aging maintains a senior citizens’ center in Vidalia and a lunch site in Ferriday, with perhaps its most visible service being the feeding program it conducts each day.

&uot;We also deliver meals from Clayton all the way down to Acme,&uot; McDonald said.

The centers also sponsor exercise programs for their patrons as well as entertainment programs, including crafts, bingo, films and other recreational activities.

But the agency also provides transportation for senior citizens and the disabled, taking them on errands, doctor’s visits and the like.

In addition, it conducts recreation and wellness programs, medication management and a program to call senior citizens daily to make sure they are well.

&uot;And we’re trying right now to start a caregiver relief program&uot; for those taking care of loved ones, McDonald said.

In all, the nonprofit serves about 400 people through its programs, with many being regular patrons. And the agency’s $200,000 budget has to stretch to cover it all, &uot;so we depend on the community,&uot; McDonald said.

However, the council could also use more volunteers, especially to help serve lunch at the centers and to deliver meals when other volunteers are sick or otherwise unavailable, McDonald said.