The Portage Resale Center in Port Clinton has been a savior for many non-profit organizations around Ottawa County, using the success of its sales of quality merchandise to award grants on its Giving Tuesday each November.

The rapid rise in the annual profits at Portage Resale Center since its founding in 2011 has meant a heart-warming increase each year in the amount of money for grants to community non-profit organizations. Portage Resale Center was designed from the beginning to be a community organization based on Christian values that would benefit Ottawa County charities by offering quality, low-cost merchandise to all, said founder Bob Snyder.

Last November, Portage Resale Center donated $155,000 to 45 local charities. Over the past seven years, it has awarded $594,000 in grants.

Grant applications must be submitted by midnight, Oct. 30. All applications will be reviewed by the Board of Directors of Portage Resale Center. The grants will be awarded on Giving Tuesday, which is Dec. 3.

Non-profit organizations that would like to apply for a Portage Resale Center grant can download the application form at portageresalecenter.com. Application forms are also available from Manager Mary Maine and the staff at Portage Resale Center, 301 West Second St., Port Clinton from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.