Tamaqua’s portion of the meals center program for the elderly in Schuylkill County opened yesterday with 12 people in attendance.

Despite the small number, Carol Bonchalk, project director for the Schuylkill County Nutrition Program, said the initial serving was a success.

The Tamaqua center is located in SS. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church hall at Pine and West Union streets. It will serve people 60 and older with no income requirements. A total of 40 meals a day have been allotted for the center. There is no charge for the meals, but those who can afford it are asked to donate 50 cents a day to help defray the costs of the program.

Mrs. Regina Student will serve as the center’s director.