Keeping Marion’s older adults informed became easier following a financial boost from the newly formed Friends of the Marion Council on Aging.

Sue Wood, president of the friends, recently presented Council on Aging Director Susan Schwager with a check for $2,500, which the friends raised to improve community outreach to people between the ages of 60 and 65.

Currently, the Council on Aging’s monthly newsletter is not mailed to that population. The money will be used to increase the availability of information on the council’s activities and programs.

“I’m honored and thrilled to have the Friends of the Council on Aging help with our new outreach efforts,” Schwager said.

The Friends, a non-profit organization, formed in 2012 with more than 50 charter members giving their support. In May, the group held its inaugural membership drive and distributed brochures to every home in Marion.

Schwager said the group’s fundraising helps the council pay for expenses that the town is unable to afford.

“As a non-profit, they can apply for funds and grants that the town, being a municipality, can’t apply for,” Schwager said.

The friend’s treasurer, Priscilla Ditchfield, said the group has long-range plans as well. Developing a comprehensive community calendar is on the list and so is the construction of a community center.

Between the friends and the council there are about 100 people working on behalf of the town’s older population.

“With all those people involved we feel it’s an affirmation that this is an important issue for Marion,” Ditchfield said.

Also present for the check presentation were Friends of the Marion Council on Aging board members Jerry Garcia, vice president, and Chrissie Bascom, secretary.

The first membership meeting of the friends will be held Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. in the Marion Music Hall, on Front Street. For more information on the friends, visit www.fmcoa.org.