Kathy Jo Schweitzer of SIMPLE GESTURES learned about the opportunities offered by the Ottawa County Resource Center through her friendship with recently-retired Grandlove Advocate, Rosalyn Barnhill, left, who accepted the 135th SIMPLE GESTURES distribution of over 190 items for kids and adults.

When SIMPLE GESTURES was conceived in 2015, organizer Kathy Jo Schweitzer of Port Clinton had an idea of creating an easy, inexpensive way for all ages to quickly help others. She needed a way to communicate her idea, so during an Easter visit from her computer-wiz Denver grandson, they came up with SIMPLE GESTURES. Emailing specific ideas, giving due dates for item drop-off, and explaining to whom items would be given, seemed easy.

It certainly paid off. Since then, the program has over 90 participants, with 146 deliveries made of 35,234 new and used items of clothing, toys, food and baby, children, teacher and parent needs to be donated to a variety of households, schools, businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Schweitzer organizes the appropriate items, makes contacts, and hand-delivers every single item.

“For me, it has been a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about the variety of families and organizations all over Ottawa County. I have never had an unpleasant experience,” she said. “I look forward to doing as much as possible in the years to come, in order to continue the mission of SIMPLE GESTURES, while encouraging people to please consider giving, when it is really simple.

“Anyone is welcome to join us and has the choice as to their participation in each need request. To learn more, contact Schweitzer at MSKJS10@gmail.com