The Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center has received more than $70,000 in donations and pledges over the last two weeks after putting out a call for funds to keep its doors open.

"It's been a tremendous response from the community," said Diane Terada, division administrator at Catholic Charities Hawai'i, which runs the senior center. "It is really heartwarming for us to see this kind of response."

Catholic Charities officials announced yesterday a $25,000 joint donation to the Kalihi senior center from the Hawaii Medical Assurance Association and the law firm of McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon.

Also yesterday, Humana of Hawai'i announced it will donate $10,000 to the center. Earlier, the Great Aloha Run had donated $10,000 to the center and had called on others to match — or top — the donation.

"The center is a vital resource for thousands of Hawai'i seniors and we are overwhelmed by the generosity of these donors," said Jerry Rauckhorst, Catholic Charities president and chief executive officer, in a news release.

"We are grateful for all the donors who have stepped forward."

On Dec. 8, Catholic Charities held a meeting at the senior center to answer questions about its fate. The center was facing a $100,000 budget deficit this fiscal year and officials were worried it would have to close.

Terada said the donations ensure that the center will be able to remain open — at least through the summer. But the long-term financial stability of the center is still in question, since it has lost a crucial state grant.

Terada said she is working on potential fundraisers for the new year.

And she is talking to new donors.

"We are certainly exploring" new fundraising opportunities, she said.

Terada added that she is still amazed that so much money has been collected for the senior center in such a short period — and as people are cutting back on donations because of the tough economic times.

Many of the smaller donations come from people whose family members used to or still frequent the center.

"It's good to know that people will respond when there is a need," Terada said yesterday.

Lanakila will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.

The senior center provides classes, health programs and recreational activities for seniors ages 60 and over who live between Fort Shafter and Ward Avenue. The state owns the center's building on Lanakila Avenue.