MONROE — Bricks often make the physical foundation of a building, but for the Monroe Township Senior Center, they will form an emotional backdrop as well.
The Friends of the Senior Center, the fundraising arm of the municipal organization, is selling bricks that will compose a dedication wall within the center. Bonnie Leibowitz, director of Monroe Senior Services, said the proceeds from the brick sales will facilitate the purchase of items on the Friends of the Senior Center’s wish list.
She said the bricks can be dedicated to anyone, noting that she intends to buy one with her grandson’s name engraved on it.
Others have purchased bricks in memory of loved ones.
“I think it will be quite special because as long as that building is standing, those bricks will be too,” Leibowitz said.
Personalized bricks can be purchased for $50 for a 4-by-4-inch brick or $125 for an 8-by-8-inch brick.
Construction on the new 26,368-squarefoot Senior Center, located on a 20-acre parcel atApplegarth and Halsey Reed roads, is nearly complete. The center will be moved there from its current location on the bottom floor of the township’s municipal building. The office currently offers services to about 2,000 to 3,000 seniors each month, but that number is expected to increase after the move.
Items on the Friends’ wish list include coffee carafes and water pitchers, as well as a baby grand player piano and flat-screen televisions. In addition, brick proceeds will facilitate the Friends of the Senor Center building fund, which will be used to purchase photos, paintings and other items for the center, Leibowitz said.
“Anything that makes a house into a home,” she said.
The new Senior Center, which she hopes will open this spring or summer, will continue to be supported by residents, she predicted.
“This is an incredibly generous community,” Leibowitz said, referring to the success of the food pantry and a recent toy drive. “I do think that ultimately we will have that success. It’s just a matter of time.
“We’ve been hoping for a building such as this for a very long time, so our dream is now being realized, and we keep getting more excited and more excited every day,” she added.
Part of the challenge is that, with the opening of the new center still months away, there is nowhere to store much of the donated items, Leibowitz said.
“We have a lot of verbal commitments,” she said, adding that they are still accepting donations.
Anyone interested in purchasing a brick or making a donation may contact the center at 732-521-6111.
— James McEvoy