40 Volunteers Keep Michigan Senior Center Thriving 45 Years

A team of 40 volunteers gathers in a small Michigan kitchen each month to make something magical happen: hundreds of handmade beef pasties that sell out before they even advertise.

For 45 years, the Breen Avenue Senior Citizen Center in Kingsford has thrived on pure volunteer power. About 40 people donate their time monthly to prepare traditional pasties, while another 15 help serve meals four days a week, and 15 more run the center's thrift store.

"We're very thankful for our volunteers. They're truly amazing," said Sue Bjorkman, the center's board treasurer. "It's a very unique time where people are willing to give the effort to help us raise the funds needed to keep our place open."

The monthly pasty sales have become so popular that customers don't need reminders. These all-beef pocket pies, with or without rutabaga, typically happen the third Saturday of each month from September through May. When they sell out, a waiting list opens for hopeful buyers.

Thanks to their growing volunteer base, the team now completes all pasty preparation in just two days instead of the three or four it used to take. That efficiency means more fundraising power for a center that serves its community in multiple ways.

The building hosts congregate meals Monday through Thursday, welcoming diners of all ages. Lunch begins at noon, with prices set at just $5 for seniors and $6 for younger guests. Recent additions include live entertainment during monthly evening meals, showcasing local talent.

Upstairs, the Thrift Store offers affordable clothing, household items, and home decor four mornings a week. Council President Donna Peterson coordinates the 15 volunteers who keep the shop running, providing budget-friendly options while giving items a second life.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of these volunteer efforts extends far beyond bake sales and bargain shopping. County millage covers only half the center's operating expenses, making volunteer fundraising essential for survival. Money raised through pasty sales and thrift store purchases has funded complete remodeling projects, critical updates, and daily operations.

The center currently serves an average of 20 to 25 people at lunch and 40 to 45 at evening meals. Each meal represents not just food, but connection and community for people who might otherwise eat alone.

In an era when many community centers struggle to stay open, Kingsford's secret ingredient is simple: neighbors helping neighbors, one pasty at a time.