Thinking about the Colley Senior Complex in Troy when ringing out the old year could keep a jingle in one’s pocket while putting a penny in the senior center’s coffers.

Janet Motes, Complex director, said Colley Senior Complex is a non-profit organization and making a last minute donation to the center could be a good deal financially.

“Many people don’t think about making those charitable donations, not just to the Colley Senior Complex, but to any charitable organization at this time of the year,” Motes said. “But come income tax time, it can really help.”

Of course, a donation to the senior center at any time of the year is welcomed. Motes said donations make it possible for the Complex to continue to offer quality programs throughout the year.

Donations are made to the senior center in different ways, including those to specific programs.

“A lot of our donations are made to programs that a family member or friend especially enjoys, such as the arts programs,” Motes said. “Donations to the Tree of Life that are made in honor or memory of a loved one are another way to donate and then there are donations to the general fund, which are used as needed.”

Often when cleaning out a garage or attic, items are found that the senior center could use or might need.

“Scrap materials are welcome donations to our sewing room,” Motes said. “There are a lot of things, such as music books and games, that we can use. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. If you think we might be able to use something, we probably can.”

The Colley Senior Complex has 1,600 members on its register who take advantage of the 125 programs that are offered to those 50 years and older.

“There’s no membership fee and we get city funding but it also takes a lot fundraising on our part to continue to provide programs of interest and value to our seniors,” Motes said. “We have categorized our programs into several areas – health and fitness, creative and artistic, general and auxiliary.

“Health and fitness includes our exercise programs, line dancing and clogging,” she said. “The creative and artist programs include painting, pottery, ceramics and stained glass. Computer and bridge classes and other card games are included in our general programs.”

Under each category are dozens of programs that are offered at different times and for different lengths of times as directed by interest or need.

The Complex hosts art shows, the Saturday Night Dances and other special events throughout the year.

“We also have auxiliary opportunities, which are free standing but have been with us so long that we like to claim them, too,” Motes said. “These include, among others, the barbershop quartet, TOPS and the genealogical society.”

And then there are the senior “field” trips, which are enormously popular.

“We have a committee that researches events that our seniors might enjoy and that’s what we offer,” Motes said. “These trips are filled almost as soon as they are offered.”

Those who are interested in becoming a member or just want to know more are invited to visit the Colley Senior Complex on Elm Street or call the center at 808-8500.