The Wareham Council on Aging has become a place where the older residents of the town can gather and find friendship and community. Now, the Friends of the Council on Aging are returning that spirit of kindness and friendship.

The new Friends are headed by Carolyn McClure, who started volunteering with the Council in October.

McClure wanted to do something to support the Council’s work. “I am amazed at the amount of programs” available, said McClure. “We just have so many wonderful people who come to the Council.”

The Council did have a pre-existing support group in the Advocates for the Wareham Elderly. The Advocates provided crucial support for the Council during a period where town funding was reduced, said McClure; the group “brought the Council on Aging back to life.” However, it has not done active fundraising for a few years.

“I said, ‘Gee, we really need a really active group,’” said McClure. She started working on the Friends in December, and the group launched in February.

The Friends of the Council on Aging raises funds for the Council, both through its own fundraising efforts and by applying for grants.

The Friends will hold its next big fundraiser on Saturday, July 13, with a Christmas in July craft fair event; see page 13 for more information.

In addition, people can join the Friends’ membership for a small fee.

When the group started, “I was hoping we’d get 100 members,” said McClure. As of mid-June, that number is up to around 250.

“Little by little, we’re building up a treasury,” she added.

Membership applications are available at the Council on Aging office. Donations can be sent to the Friends of the Wareham CoA, 48 Marion Road.