Senior citizens have looked forward to the good old time country music jam every Thursday at the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center, but things have started to get a bit tight.
Linda McClanahan took over as director six years ago.
"When I first came, there was about 200 people that came through the center, and now we've grown to over 700," said McClanahan.
Dot Burks has been one of them. She discovered the senior center back in 2012. It was the same year she lost her husband and felt like her life had no meaning.
"I can truly say that place saved my life," she said. "I actually do not believe I would've lived another year if I hadn't have gone over there."
It's a place that has offered things like exercise, arts and crafts, drama, and music.
It only costs $40 a year, but now they're being forced to turn people away.
"It's time for a brand new building that's energy efficient and big enough for what we want to do," said McClanahan.
That's why McClanahan recently stepped down as director to concentrate on raising money for a brand new building double in size, but there has been just one stipulation. The family who donated the land said they have to come up with the $2.5 million to build the place by June 17, 2017.
Dot and her friends have been hoping McClanahan meets the goal.
McClanahan said she's up for the challenge.
"I'm going to give it my best shot," said McClanahan. "I'm not sure if I can do it, but I really believe that all things are possible and I would like to try to do it."
So far they've raised $35,000 toward the new building that will sit just feet away from the old center on North Mt. Juliet Road, and they have a fundraiser lined up in May featuring Charlie Daniels, but they still have a long way to go.
If you would like to make a donation, call Linda McClanahan at 615-557-4703.
