The 89th recipient of a SIMPLE GESTURES donation was an adorable one-year-old girl in Port Clinton. Kathy Jo Schweitzer cuddles Freya after dropping off 399 items donated by her Program Contributors. From left, are Babysitter Gabby Camerato, and mother Bobbie Peterson and Schweitzer.

When Organizer Kathy Jo Schweitzer began the SIMPLE GESTURES program in 2015, it was simply a thought she presented to her computer-whiz grandson, who was visiting from South Carolina on Easter. She told him she had a simple way to help people quickly help others, but needed a free, simple computer program to email them.

“SIMPLE GESTURES was born that day and has risen to more than 90 Program Contributors donating 28,461 items to parents, grandparents, children, schools, churches and organizations all over Ottawa County. Even though need requests are not usually sent for holidays, it seemed appropriate this year to choose a child during Easter.

So, even knowing that many SG Contributors would be on Spring Break, she went ahead. But as usual, still received a variety of Easter baskets, stuffed animals, diapers, summer outfits, bathing suits, beach toys, fruit pouches and educational toys. Then, while visiting, Schweitzer met one-year-old Freya, a darling child with a smile and immediate friendliness and charm.

Freya made everyone else happy, and also made clear the purpose of SIMPLE GESTURES and the thoughtfulness of its Contributors.