The Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services was awarded more than $450,000 in grants.

Executive Director Deanna Orlowsky said the federal grants, a $5,000 retired senior program volunteer grant and a combination of $449,975 CARES, Family First Coronavirus Response Act and a Senior Center Grants are appreciated.

The smaller grant is devoted to personal protective equipment supplies, advertising costs to recruit volunteers, among other uses.

“Because of COVID, a lot of volunteers were not able to volunteer,” Orlowsky said.

The grant is reimbursable, meaning the office must submit documentation to get funds. Orlowsky said more volunteers are helping.

The second grant will mostly be spent on meals for county residents who receive services through the office. Personal protective equipment will also be purchased.