Voluntary Action Center (VAC) has outgrown its existing facility at 1840 St. Vincent Ave., La Salle, and plans to purchase a larger site to bolster its nutrition services. The organization, founded in 1974, now serves DeKalb, Kendall, LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam counties.
It will soon launch a $250,000 capital campaign to finance the purchase of a building to serve La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties.
As fiscal sponsor for the Meals on Wheels Sustainability Initiative, SRCCF will accept donations on behalf of VAC, receipt donors, provide quarterly reports and, when asked, provide counsel to VAC administrators.
“Many seniors depend on the meals for their daily nutrition,” said VAC Executive Director Nate Kloster. “And the social contact with our drivers is almost as important as the food provided. Our mission is to help seniors stay in their homes for as long as it is safe.”
VAC delivers over 300 meals to the homes of seniors and disabled people each day across the tri-county area. In 2023, more than 135,000 meals were provided to 945 individuals.
VAC’s congregate luncheon site allows those who can gather to meet for meals and social activities. Over 15,000 congregate meals were served in 2023 and VAC also provided about 3,200 meals a month to eight area day care centers.
“Meals on Wheels allows seniors to live independently and even provides nutrition to our children through their daycare deliveries,” said SRCCF President Fran Brolley. “Few people realize the profound impact it has on our region and the welfare of our seniors.”
