The National Vitality Center, located downtown Albert Lea, is nearing completion. With the help of local businesses and individuals, the Jacobsen Building at 211 S. Broadway Ave. has been renovated into a meeting space for the community.

Groups have already started to use the space. The city meeting space may be rented for $10 for two hours, but fees are waived if groups are affiliated with Vitality programs and initiatives. Workstations are presently being used by interns conducting research on behalf of the center and can be made available for use by community members. The facility, which adjoins Prairie Wind Coffee, has free wireless Internet access. Reservations for a meeting space may be made through Prairie Wind Coffee.

In order to be fully functional, the center is looking for donations of the following items: 5-foot folding tables, 20 to 30 folding chairs, six arm chairs with rollers (for the cubicles), a refrigerator, track lights and six desk lamps. Cash donations are accepted and may be made out to the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce. The City of Albert Lea will accept donations of materials. All donations are tax deductible.

There will be a display at the Vitality Center with a jar for donations. The display will remain until work is complete.

The Vitality Committee would like to thank everyone who has had a role in making the Center a reality.

Contact any of the following with questions: Ann Austin at 373-8670, Pat Mulso at 373-8003 or Pam Schmidt at 318-0004.