LUCERNE, Calif. – Two local thrift stores – one about to open officially, the other celebrating its first-year anniversary – are raising much-needed funds for local senior programs.

Lucerne Alpine Senior Center has embarked on opening the new “Meals on Wheels Thrift Store Lucerne” at 3985 Country Club Drive this Wednesday, Oct. 31.

The opening falls on the first anniversary of the Lakeport Senior Center Meals on Wheels Thrift Shop, according to Lakeport Senior Center Executive Director Jonathan Crooks, who also is overseeing the Lucerne shop.

Crooks said the new store will benefit the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center and its programs. Faithful volunteers have worked hard to make the grand opening a success.  

Gifts and treats will be given away during the grand opening, and there will be fun for the whole family, he said.

The Meals on Wheels Thrift Store Lakeport at 120 N. Main St. has been an amazing success for the Lakeport Senior Activity Center, according to Crooks.

Since the first ribbon cutting, he said the store has helped fund 128,924 meals, with hundreds more served each day.

Hundreds of volunteers have given thousands of hours to the store, and the generous community giving donations and shopping for deals have made the store and the senior center a success, he said.

Crooks said services provided by senior centers to the fast growing senior population in Lake County are essential. The mission of the Lakeport Senior Center includes providing these services, as well as social activities and ensuring that no senior goes hungry.  

On Halloween, the Lakeport store will celebrate its one-year anniversary in the new downtown location from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., with an all-day sale offering 25 percent off the entire inventory. Crooks said festivities will include refreshments and snacks, and trick or treat candy all day for the kids.

He said the Lakeport store and staff are eager to support the Lucerne location and help its store be a success. The Lucerne store is always looking for volunteers and donations.

For more information call Lucerne at 707-274-8779 and Lakeport at 707-263-6174.