NATCHEZ — Since 1968 the Concordia Council on Aging has been serving the elderly community in the parish with meals, transportation and wellness programs.

The agency provides free services for people age 60 and older, said Director Dorothy McDonald.

“The goal is to provide services to keep people in their homes for as long as possible,” McDonald said.

By offering meals and activities at both of their sites in Vidalia and Ferriday and catering to the citizens’ needs at home, McDonald said the council tries to cover all their bases to make sure the needs of the elderly are met.

Transportation to the grocery store, doctor or other locations are also arranged through the council.

McDonald said the council also offers wellness programs and recreational activities.

Supplies, volunteers and money are needed year around to continue offering these services in the parish, McDonald said.

Supplies such as bathroom or paper products are always in need at the council, McDonald said.

“It’s just like a home,” McDonald said. “We need all those things too.”

Volunteers can help with recreational activities like bingo, which is played every Friday at 10 a.m., or to deliver meals to the elderly who can’t leave their homes.

Food items such as canned goods, non-perishable items, or new groceries are also accepted at the council.

Any items can be dropped off at three different locations:

The main office, located at 405 Carter St. in Vidalia, the Vidalia site located at 411 Texas St. or the Ferriday site located at 111 Texas Ave.

Checks can be made out to the Concordia Council on Aging and sent to the main office.