GALLIPOLIS — Officials from the Outreach Center in Gallipolis are still seeking funds to perform repairs on the building, which is located at 275 State Street.

Betty Halley, a member of the board of directors and a longtime volunteer at the Outreach Center, said the most pressing need is a new roof.

“A separate fund has been set aside for this project,” Halley said. “The center is a large building and we’re not giving up. We hope to get enough funds to get this project under way by spring.”

According to Outreach Center board member Phyllis Fowler, the agency lost numerous pieces of merchandise last year due to the leaking roof. She said the economic downturn of the past year has resulted in a decrease in financial support.

The City of Gallipolis donated $5,000 to the center during a special meeting on Nov. 13, 2009. The city commission voted that evening to add the Outreach Center to the list of local agencies and organizations the city supports on an annual basis with proceeds collected from the bed tax.

In 2009, the bed tax generated $60,000 for the city, which donated $6,000 to each of the following organizations: Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre, French Art Colony, Gallia County Historical Society, John Gee Black Historical Society and Our House Museum.

According to Halley, the Outreach Center is a non-profit organization that operates by selling used household goods, clothing, books and other items at reduced prices.

“The money is used to purchase food for the low income and fire victims, pay utilities and maintenance costs for the building,” Halley said.

Several local residents, businesses, churches, schools and other groups donated funds and food items during the holiday season to help provide for families in need. Outreach Center volunteers compiled food boxes and distributed them to several local families.

For information about the Outreach Center or to make a donation, call 446-7555. The Outreach Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.