The fundraising campaign to install a new kitchen at a day centre for the elderly is a step closer thanks to a £1,000 donation from the Echo.
Earlier this year, we ran a competition for south Essex charities to bid for the cash to help fund a community project.
After scores of entries and votes, we can reveal Hockley and Hawkwell Day Centre, in Southend Road, Hockley, came top.
The money will boost its £45,000 fundraising project to install a new kitchen at the centre and cover the cost of new appliances, flooring, ventilation system and its installation.
Phil Smith, one of four volunteers on the management team, said: "The day centre is an amazing part of the Hockley community.
"The volunteers are a wonderful bunch of people and the clients who come here really enjoy what's on offer. What started as a meals on wheels service, ran by three ladies 35 years ago, has become this wonderful place.
"This donation from the Echo will go towards the kitchen fundraiser. We now have £40,000 of the £45,000 target and we're extremely grateful."
The retired 66-year-old added: "This is my purpose. I used to work in the city but now I volunteer with 70 other people to make this place so special."
The Duchess of Kent Katharine Worsley arrived by helicopter to open the building, that has been extended over time, in 1989. It was made possible after Rochford council carved up part of a council-owned car park to create the day centre when the founders said they needed a base to extend their service.
Today, up to 170 different people a week - sometimes 60 in a single day - use the day centre nestled beside Hockley Library.
Lunches are provided Monday to Thursday and entertainment every Monday and Thursday.
Joan Wood, 94, lives nearby and has gone at least twice a week for the past six years - only interrupted during the Covid pandemic lockdowns.
"It's such a nice place here, the volunteers are so friendly and it's brilliant I can meet up with others and get out the house," she said.
"I go with my friend and we really enjoy the entertainment and meals. It's an outlet for us.
"After Covid stopped us going for a while you really appreciate what they do even more."
So far, almost £16,000 of the target has been raised through various fundraising activities and the rest has been supplemented by donations and grants.
Volunteer Glynis Smith said: "Helping here is just a nice way of giving something back."
The kitchen transformation is due to take place in August this year.
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