It takes hundreds of volunteers to sort and pack the thousands of food and other essential items that are donated to the Holiday Bureau every year for individuals and families right here in Ottawa County. The all-volunteer Ottawa County Holiday Bureau provides direct assistance to people in need during the Christmas holiday season. Food on the table everyday, mittens and hats for our kids, fresh fruits and vegetables — what many of us take for granted isn’t what every household experiences. But, in mid-December, because of giving by residents, schools and businesses in Ottawa County, individuals and families in need are given food, daily living items and toys, mittens and hats for the kids.

In partnership with the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots, in 2008 the Holiday Bureau brightened the lives of 877 families — 2,747 people — right here in Ottawa County, nearly 7 percent of the population.
To help:
• SIGN UP — Individuals and families that need assistance may contact the representative in their area of Ottawa County. They are: Larry Coats, Benton/Carroll/Salem/Oak Harbor, 419-862-2545; Helen Frye, Catawba, 419-797-4642; Judy Just, Danbury, 419-798-4163; Bonnie Kaspar, Bay/Erie/Portage/Port Clinton, 419-734-2930; Kathy Mapes, Allen/Clay/Genoa, 419-654-6273; and Esteban Reyes, Harris/Elmore, 491-862-2968.
• GIVING SUNDAYS — Most local churches participate in Giving Sundays and church attendees are asked to donate canned goods and/or cash donations. This year Giving Sundays will be on Nov. 22 and 29 and Dec. 6.
• ESSENTIAL NEEDS — A basic box of items includes meat, potatoes, noodles, rice or stuffing, canned and fresh vegetables and fruit, soup, boxed foods, condiments, coffee or tea and juice. Also included are laundry and dish detergent, soap, shampoo, tooth brushes and paste, and paper products.
• PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES — Poverty rates are at an all-time high. Jobs have dwindled. Food banks are taxed with increased demand. Ottawa County is not immune to the newly poor. Cash donations are essential and the money stays right here in Ottawa County. Contact your division representative directly or send checks or money orders made out to the Ottawa County Holiday Bureau and send to Treasurer Diane Huss, 582 Opfer-Lentz Rd., Genoa, OH  43430.

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