HUTSON FURNITURE CO. MAKES $25,000 PLEDGE TO UNIVERSITY

The Southeast Eldercare Center has received a face lift thanks to new furnishings donated by Hutson Furniture Co. as part of a $25,000 contribution to Southeast Missouri State University's $25 million capital campaign.

The store has donated more than $15,000 in sofas, chairs, lamps, tables and pictures to the center at 805 N. Sprigg, including a furniture contribution to the department of art. The waterproof laminate furniture is geared especially for the elderly, with features such as high arm rests and seats and specially padded cushions.

Southeast Eldercare Center is the only licensed social adult day care facility in Missouri for area residents age 60 and older.

"This gift breathed new life into the program," said Cynthia Kothe, center coordinator. "It has provided us with a face lift. It is such a boon to continue service to the older adults. The fabric is luxurious. It's a wonderful feeling to have someone in the community to be so interested in this program and in these people as individuals."

The furniture is a part of a $25,000 pledge over five years to Southeast's "New Vision of Excellence" capital campaign, said Don Ford, University director of development.

The Southeast Eldercare Center recently has moved from 317 S. Ellis to a newly rehabbed site on Sprigg Street. The furnishings replace 15- to 20-year-old furniture, Kothe said.

A fall grand opening is planned at the center.

"I think it is a very good place to invest our resources," said Charles L. Hutson, president of Hutson Furniture Co., 43 S. Main. "It is a very good program, and I hope (the furniture) will be used for many years to come."

Hutson is vice chair of the Southeast University Foundation and is a member of the President's Council.

To date, pledges to the "New Vision of Excellence" capital campaign total $23 million.

Eldercare regularly serves 20 elderly residents, whose average age is 84, during operating hours Monday to Friday.

The program was established more than 11 years as an outgrowth of the University's summer Elderhostel program. The purpose of the center is to keep elderly people in the area active through social interaction, exercise, and educational and health programming.

Participants in the program receive lunch and two snacks a day catered by the Nutrition Center. They also may participate in three daily activities conducted by professionals including educational classes on people and places, and health programs on issues concerning the elderly.

In addition, outreach programs are conducted to assist the homebound, and commodities are provided to eligible participants. All activities are intended to provide individuals with greater knowledge or to improve their motor skills, Kothe said.