The center at 244 Parkway St. provides a place for locals to come socialize, dine, enjoy activities and shop.

“We’re very thankful for our volunteers — they’re truly amazing,” said Sue Bjorkman, Breen Center board treasurer and pasty sale coordinator. “It’s a very unique time where people are willing to give the effort to help us raise the funds needed to keep our place open.”

About 40 volunteers take part in helping prepare pasties for the center’s monthly sale.

“These are one of the longtime major fundraisers for the center,” she said. “We don’t have to advertise — they are very popular.”

Volunteer Stan Carlson bags portions of rutabaga for today’s pasty sale at the Breen Avenue Senior Citizen Center in Kingsford. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

The all-beef pasties, with or without rutabaga, are typically offered the third Saturday of each month from September through May, excluding December.

Some dates may shift to accommodate holidays, such as hunting season.

Although they often sell out, a waiting list is available for those still interested.

“Because we have more volunteers, we are now able to make all the pasties in two days, whereas in the past it would take three to four days,” she said.

In addition, about 15 volunteers help with congregate meals served Monday through Thursday, helping with setup, salad bar and serving patrons who need assistance.

The Breen Avenue Senior Citizen Center recently hosted a appreciation dinner for its large group of volunteers. From left, in in front are Maureen Anderson, JoAnn Sanford, Cheryl McNiel, Cindy Fisher, Sue Bjorkman, Marsha and Gary Swanson; second row, Ray Brault, Kathy Walters, Dave Fisher, Rhonda Trottier, Donna Peterson and Leah Varda; and in back, Richard Anderson, Jim and Carol Ries, Chris Beaudry, Deb French, Sue Chartier, Cindy Wenzel, Emelia Curran, Chris and Martin Pataconi, Rod Bjorkman and Noris Varda. (Submitted photo)

Bjorkman explained that the kitchen operates under the Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency meal program, while the building is owned by the Breen Center Council.

Dine-in meals begin at noon, with soup and salad bar opening at 11:30 a.m. Carryouts are also available. The cost is $5 for those 60 and older and $6 for those younger than 60.

“We are currently serving an average of 20 to 25 at our lunch and 40 to 45 for our evening meals,” she said.

They welcome anyone, of all ages, to the meals. Reservations are asked to be made 24 hours in advance. Take-out orders are available during the same hours.

A recent addition to their monthly night meal is live entertainment. “We are looking forward to having more local talent come in,” Bjorkman said.

The Breen Center Thrift Store, 244 Parkway St. in Kingsford, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. From left, Marcia DeYounghe, center council President Donna Peterson and Marsha Swanson are busy bringing in the spring and summer clothing. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

The Thrift Store, on the upper level of the building, also helps support daily operation.

Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, the store is run by about 15 volunteers coordinated by Council President Donna Peterson.

“We offer a large assortment of women and men’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, household items, small appliances and home decor at very affordable prices,” Peterson said.

The Thrift Store accepts gently used and clean items during regular store hours.

“Because we have a small space, we cannot take in furniture or any large items,” Peterson said. “We also don’t take children’s clothes or toys.”

“The store serves the purpose of helping those with a tight budget and also repurpose items,” Bjorkman added. “People would be surprised as to what our store carries and the prices.”

Funds raised through pasty sales and the Thrift Store have allowed the Breen Center to complete remodeling projects, make updates and cover operating costs.

“We do receive a millage from the county; however, that only covers about half our expenses — the rest comes from our fundraising,” Bjorkman said.

The center recently hosted an appreciation dinner to recognize its volunteers, who range in age from high school students to older adults.

“We really enjoy having our volunteers come and help us,” Bjorkman said. “I think our center is very vital to our community, providing a place for people of any age to socialize, while receiving balanced nutrition.”

The center thanks the businesses and individuals that contributed door prizes for the volunteer dinner, including First Bank, Iron Mountain-Kingsford Area Credit Union, Tadych’s Marketplace Foods,Circle K, Kwik Trip, Carquest, AnyTime Fitness, Culver’s, Storheims Restaurant, Subway, Pizza Hut, A & W, Holiday Kitchen, Spuds, DICSA, Marlene Carter, Karen Tolenen, Rhonda Trottier, Cindy Fisher and Sue Bjorkman.

New volunteers are always welcome. They are currently in need of help with general landscaping and deep cleaning.

“We’re looking to remodel or redecorate the dining area, and are in need of a contractor, as well as someone with interior design knowledge,” Bjorkman said. “We could really use someone with those qualifications.”

Bjorkman also welcomes ideas for activities, such as cards, board games or bingo.

A weekly crafting session on Wednesday morning currently is focused on knitting and crocheting, though additional crafts are encouraged.

She would like to add an exercise class for patrons as well.

“We want to encourage healthy living. The more people move, the more independent they can be,” she said, adding that anyone interested in leading a class is encouraged to contact the center.

Health professionals are also invited to provide presentations on topics such as nutrition and wellness.

The council encourages the public to visit the center to see what they have to offer.

For more information, to sign up to volunteer or to place meal orders, call 906-774-5110.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.