Community Rallies to Support Homebound Seniors
The Twin Falls Senior Center is hosting its inaugural walk-a-thon on July 23 at Magic Valley Mall to raise funds for a home-delivered meals program that has faced significant cuts. The event represents the center’s effort to restore service to homebound seniors whose meal delivery was reduced from five days to three days per week approximately 1.5 months ago due to rising food and fuel costs.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. near the Hobby Lobby entrance, with the walk scheduled from 9 to 10 a.m. inside the air-conditioned mall. The route, marked with bright tape, covers approximately half a mile and welcomes participants of all abilities, including walkers and those using wheelchairs. A water station will be staffed by volunteers from Harrison’s Hope hospice organization.
Organizers expect at least 100 participants for the first-year event. Five perpetual trophies will be awarded to top finishers across categories including most spirited participant, most laps completed, most well-represented group, and separate youth divisions for ages 0–12 and 13–17. Winners will hold each trophy for one year.
Fundraising Efforts Target Program Recovery
Beyond the walk itself, the Senior Center is pursuing multiple fundraising strategies. A raffle will feature 10 to 12 baskets containing dinners, car detailing services, and other donated goods. Registration accepts cash and checks.
A companion car wash fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at the Dairy Queen parking lot from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jerry Naylor, owner of Toy Town and a member of the Senior Center board, is hosting the event. All proceeds will support the meals program.
The Senior Center previously received a $10,000 grant from the Women’s Giving Connection, which has helped sustain operations during the budget shortfall.
Path to Full Restoration Uncertain
The reduction in meal delivery has affected not only homebound seniors but also Senior Center staff whose hours were cut. The timeline to return to five-day-per-week service remains unclear, with organizers estimating it could take anywhere from a couple of months to as long as a year.
Kathy Olson, a volunteer, board secretary, and event organizer, is spearheading the effort. Olson previously chaired a similar walk-a-thon in Spokane, Washington, for five years and brought that experience to Twin Falls. She hopes the inaugural walk will become an annual tradition that the community embraces.
Gary Golay, a senior and veteran who is active in the Senior Center community, volunteers with Interlink Volunteer Caregivers and supports the initiative.
Seeking Community Support
The Senior Center is actively recruiting volunteer drivers to help restore meal delivery routes. Volunteers can commit to a regular weekly schedule or serve as substitute drivers when needed. Interested drivers are encouraged to call 208-734-5084 for information.
The walk-a-thon reflects broader challenges facing senior services across Idaho. As fuel and food costs continue to strain nonprofit budgets, communities must find creative ways to fund essential programs that serve vulnerable populations. Community organizations throughout Twin Falls County have long relied on collaborative fundraising efforts, and the Senior Center is drawing on that tradition.
The event also connects to broader efforts across the county to support residents in need. As summer heat presents challenges for vulnerable populations, ensuring that homebound seniors receive regular meal deliveries becomes even more critical to their health and safety.