Activities for seniors at Maricopa Community Center are alive and well.

More than 80 seniors crowded the center for a potluck luncheon today to celebrate an early "Eat and Greet Thanksgiving Holiday."

Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. the center offers free donuts and coffee to warmly welcome new arrivals for a meet-and-greet.

It is just one of many activities offered at the 3½-year-old facility, said the coordinator Chance Love, who describes the building at 41614 W. Smith-Enke Road, Suite 100, as a "safe and welcoming place" for seniors and veterans.

The center also provides opportunities for socialization, lifelong learning, cultural experiences, arts and entertainment.

"We average about 12 new members a month," said Love, who did not have a recent center membership tally.

The most new members came in March, when some 30 joined.

"I've definitely seen significant growth and of course now we have our snowbird population back in town," Love said.

He said this is proof that Maricopa's senior population is rapidly on the rise.

"Councilmember Bob Marsh is quoted as saying that we have around 15,000 seniors in Maricopa out of our 75,000 population," said Love, who formerly worked at Maricopa's largest 55-and-older community of Province as a program director.

The center's focus is to help seniors meet new people and socialize, Love said.

"It's about making lasting neighbors," he said.

Activities include Bingo twice a month, a "Lunch and Learn" every third Friday, games and cards every day, free blood pressure checks and movie matinees.

"We do a lot to keep them busy and we have our signature potluck event, such as this for the holidays," Love said.

Love came to Maricopa in 2006, being a native of Inglewood, Calif. He graduated from Arizona State University in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in liberal studies.

Love said the center always welcomes newcomers to the facility. Call 520-233-2400 or email [email protected] for more information.