By Katie Chapman kchapm11@uwyo.edu

With Christmas just around the corner, a fantastic opportunity for stress-free holiday shopping emerged last Saturday at the Eppson Center for Seniors in Laramie. This event was part of the center’s 50th-anniversary celebration, marking five decades of serving the senior community since 1973.

Originally established as a place for seniors to socialize through activities like crafts, meals, and events, the Eppson Center has evolved over the years. In 1996, it moved to a larger building to accommodate more events, meals, and activities, including group meetings, crafts, and educational sessions. Governed by a board of directors led by Executive Director Tammy Comer, the center plays a vital role in supporting and enriching the lives of seniors in the community.

For the past 43 years, the Eppson Center for Seniors has organized a Holiday Bazaar to raise funds for supporting local seniors. Initially conceived by an honorary sorority, the center took over the bazaar six years ago and has been successfully organizing it since.

Photo’s by Katie Chapman

The funds raised through the Holiday Bazaar, where booths are rented by contenders, contribute to covering 37% of expenses not covered by grants. This financial support helps with essential aspects such as maintenance and other expenses. Each contender retains the proceeds from their booth, making the bazaar a mutually beneficial event. The bazaar features a variety of offerings, from leatherworking and crafts to jams and jellies.

Community involvement is encouraged, with volunteering being a crucial aspect. Tammy Comer emphasized, “The best way for the community to get involved is to volunteer, especially in our home delivery service.” The home delivery service ensures that food reaches seniors who are unable to pick up dinner for themselves, with approximately 45 deliveries across 10 routes, five days a week.

The Eppson Center for Seniors in Laramie remains dedicated to enhancing senior living, providing opportunities for seniors to engage with and contribute to the community. For more information on getting involved, volunteering, or supporting the Eppson Center for Seniors, please call (307)-745-5116, email information@eppsoncenter.org, or visit their Facebook page at the Eppson Center for Seniors.