LONGMEADOW – The Longmeadow Adult Community Center Fund (LACCF) is on a fundraising mission to collect $750,000 to furnish the new Longmeadow Adult Center, currently under construction on Maple Road.

The town broke ground on the new center in July 2019 and the project is expected to be “substantially completed by the end of October,” said Janine McVay of the LACCF. McVay estimated that the new 26,500-square-foot, fully-accessible facility will be move-in ready in early December, though she acknowledged that the pandemic may extend the timeline for the grand opening.

While the center’s library, gymnasium, classrooms, offices, and kitchen will be complete by then, the furnishings and fixtures are still needed and that is where the LACCF comes in. The fundraising the organization is doing will provide money for specialized furniture and equipment for the center, as well as supporting some of the programming. So far, the organization has raised over $548,000, which has funded pickleball courts, wainscotting, equipment for the hearing compromised, an exterior shade canopy, among other items.

“We also funded the groundbreaking and expect to fund the open house events as well as a speaker series once the center opens,” McVay said. In fact, the LACCF will continue its support work long after the facility opens its doors.

“We expect to have a continuing role raising funds for needed,” said McVay. “Improvements, programming, [and] fixtures that may be needed in the future to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Longmeadow. We are also hopeful that we will be supporting expanded hours at the center so that others can enjoy the facility in the evening hours. We have also set aside funds for the food pantry, a much-needed service in Longmeadow.”

The organization sources its fundraising through the community. People can choose to make contribution as a one-time gift, or as a continuing multi-year gift. There are multiple ways to give. All donors will be recognized by level of giving with a special recognition will be made on a Wall of Honor for donors who contribute $1,000 or more and a separate plaque for donors who give $250 to $999. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, donations collected by the LACCF are tax deductible.

For more information of the LACCF, visit www.longmeadowadultcenterfund.org or call 262-7661.