'It's our duty to help them in their work'

As Christmas quickly approaches, residents are urged to support the charities that support the community. Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation President and CEO Brian Treece said giving to nonprofits is especially important this time of year and throughout the coming months. "Community is one thing that unites us," Treece said, emphasizing the significance of working together to uplift the community year-round. "This isn't the only time of year there's need, but the holidays tend to be the time where we think of giving gifts." Treece said there are numerous methods for individuals of all ages to support the community. He recommends teaching children about the challenges faced by others and offering solutions, such as adding cans to a free pantry or taking up a collection for a local charity. Adults and families might also consider pooling what they typically spend on Christmas presents and giving a larger gift to a cause the whole family can unite around. Due to the pandemic, Treece said nonprofits are seeing an increased demand for their services. At the same time, they are also facing staffing challenges and limited opportunities for hosting fundraising events. "There is still a lot of unknowns going into 2022. Nonprofits exist to help our friends, family and neighbors. It's our duty to help them in their work," said Treece, noting that nonprofits fill a variety of needs within the community, such as food, clothing, shelter and education. Findlay Hope House is gearing up for its annual Holiday of Hope fundraising campaign, which encourages staff members to discuss Hope House's services with community members. A booklet will appear in The Courier and an insert will be mailed to all donors early in December. "We can always use items for ongoing needs such as paper products, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent and then also hats, gloves and socks," said Hope House CEO Sue Lehman. "And, of course, we are also accepting financial donations to help support our mission." City Mission of Findlay will be distributing Christmas food boxes on Dec. 21 and 23 for any person or family in need. Christmas stockings will also be given to the children in each family during this event. Joy Barger, director of development and community outreach, said the homeless shelter will continue to serve hot meals for lunch and dinner to community members and clients throughout the holiday season. "Everyone is eligible for a meal and can stop at the community window located in the back of the Mission to take a meal with them," she said. Volunteers will prepare a traditional Christmas feast for guests at City Mission, and stockings and gifts will be provided on Christmas Day to each person at the shelter. At Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services, leaders are organizing the annual Adopt a Family Program, which allows donors to provide gifts and other items for families who cannot afford them. Open Arms Executive Director Ashley Ritz said donors who sign up to adopt a family will receive a list of items requested and a brief story about the family. Open Arms will also host its annual client Christmas party, offering meals to those who have used the agency's services throughout the year. Santa and Mrs. Claus will attend the event to provide gifts to children. Items that are needed include vegetable trays, baked goods, chips and 2-liter bottles of soda. A wish list drive will also be held at Open Arms, which relies on in-kind donations to operate its emergency shelter. According to Ritz, the organization's wish list includes: paper towels, toilet paper, dishwashing liquid, hand soap, laundry detergent, cleaning products, trash bags, tissues, new pillows, kitchen towels and bath towels. Monetary donations can be mailed to Open Arms, P.O. Box 496, Findlay, OH 45839. Anyone interested in helping should contact openarmsfindlay@yahoo.com or call 419-420-9261. Douglas: 419-427-8505