MECHANICSBURG — Officials from the Pennsylvania Lottery and the Department of Aging visited Mechanicsburg Place Senior Center on Friday in Cumberland County to highlight the significant impact the Lottery has on older Pennsylvanians throughout the commonwealth. Specifically, Mechanicsburg Place Senior Center received a $54,861 grant from the Department of Aging that was funded by Lottery proceeds.

This grant helped to pay for a kitchen renovation, which included the installation of new countertops, cabinets, appliances, flooring and a sliding door that separates the food preparation area from the kitchen. The grant also helped the center purchase a new computer, an iPad, a projector and a projection screen for its members. This grant is just one example of how Lottery funds help Pennsylvania’s seniors each and every day.

“As the Pennsylvania Lottery celebrates the 50th anniversary of its first ticket being sold, it’s important for us to celebrate all the good the Lottery has done for older Pennsylvanians,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres.

“We are extremely proud of the fact that the Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state Lottery that dedicates all of its proceeds to benefiting older residents,” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “The tickets and games we sell every day fund critical services, including property tax and rent rebates, transportation, care services, prescription assistance, and local services including senior centers and meals.”

For the people at Mechanicsburg Place Senior Center, the funds for the new kitchen arrived at just the right time.

Kathie Brown and Mary O’Donnell, two frequent visitors of the Mechanicsburg Place Senior Center, say they call the center their home away from home.

“With some of the seniors’ income sometimes it’s hard to get meals, sometimes it’s hard to heat their home, so centers like this one are wonderful. Not only can we come to have fun, but we can also learn about so many programs and benefits that are available to us,” said Brown.

“I get to see my friends and I do something that makes me feel useful,” said O’Donnell, who also volunteers at the center. “I work at the desk, answer the phone and just enjoy talking to people and having a good time.”