Press Release
Over 15 years ago, Closer to Home was founded through a generous bequest by Mitzi Lecher in honor of Barney and Mary Lecher. Their vision was to create a welcoming environment that provides a warm meal to in-need members of our community. Thanks to the unwavering commitment the Chadron Community, Closer to Home has been able to support our community since its founding. Since its founding, Closer to Home has served almost 68,000 meals all of which were cooked and served by volunteers who logged more than 16,000 volunteer hours.
As we look towards the future, we face significant challenges including rising operating costs and a decrease in available volunteer groups. Chadron is a small community and those who volunteer throughout the community often find themselves spread thin. Due to these factors the Closer to Home board began the process of seeking creative ideas on collaboration and consolidation of community efforts.
After careful consideration and evaluation of our resources, we have made the decision to form a mutually beneficial partnership with the Chadron Senior Center. This decision allows us to carry on the mission that the Lechers envisioned, providing noon-time meals to members of our community who might otherwise go without, while simultaneously supporting the work of the Senior Center which funds programs like Meals on Wheels and Feed a Hungry Senior. We are thrilled to have found a way to increase effectiveness and support of both organizations through this partnership.
Beginning June 1 st , 2024, instead of serving meals at Closer to Home, meal tokens will be provided to in-need community members redeemable for a complimentary meal at the Senior Center. Tokens will be available for pick up at the Outreach Office of Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP) located at 127 W. 2 nd St. in Chadron beginning on Monday May 27 th . Those in need of a noon-time meal will be provided with a distribution of up to five (5) meal tokens at a time from the Outreach Office. The Outreach Office hours are Mondays from 1 pm to 4:30 pm, Tuesday and Wednesdays from 8:30 am to Noon and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
We understand that Closer to Home has been a meaningful part of many people's lives, and we want to make this transition as smooth as possible. If you have any questions please contact Brooke Smith at 308-432-3393.
If you are interested in supporting the mission of Closer to Home through a financial donation please consider making a monthly, annual, or one-time contribution to Closer to Home via PayPal using the QR code below or by mailing a check to PO Box 1233 Chadron, NE 69337. Checks should be made payable to Closer to Home. These donations will be directly allocated towards providing meals at the Senior Center. If a monetary donation is not feasible for you, volunteer opportunities are available as well. To inquire about volunteering to serve meals at the Senior Center, please reach out to Sheila at 308-432-3185.
We truly appreciate the communities unwavering support and dedication to our cause over the years.
Together we can continue to make a positive impact in our community! Please mail donations to:
Closer to Home
PO Box 1233
Chadron, NE 69337
OR Donate online at www.chadronfoundation.org/closer-to-home
Please select “Closer to Home” from the drop down menu in order for your donation to make its way to the right account.