Countywide clothing drive to benefit Ottawa County students

        The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) is conducting “Ottawa County Bundle Up” – a cold-weather clothing drive to provide warmth and support for students and families in need.
        The Foundation is seeking donations of new coats, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, hoodies, sweatpants, bagged socks and bagged underwear.
        Ottawa County public libraries are serving as donation drop-off locations for the collaborative, countywide project. Donations for any age must be in their original packaging or still tagged and will be given to public school counselors and nurses for need-based distribution.
        Excess items will be filtered through other community groups.
        “Our district has been blessed over the years to work with OCCF on numerous projects that support the mission of Benton-Carroll-Salem Local Schools,” said Superintendent Guy Parmigian. “The cold-weather clothing drive is another prime example of this tremendous partnership providing critical, direct benefits to our students. Over the past several years, we have seen an increased demand for resources like these in our community and are grateful for OCCF’s efforts to meet the need across the county.”
        New clothing donations may be dropped off at Harris-Elmore Public Library locations (Elmore and Genoa), the Oak Harbor Public Library or the Ida Rupp Public Library locations (Port Clinton, Marblehead, and Put-in-Bay) during normal business hours
        Items will also be accepted at OCCF, 306 Madison Street, Port Clinton, Wednesday, Nov. 30 from noon-3 p.m.
        “We are delighted to partner with our libraries and school districts to address clothing needs in the area,” said OCCF Director Shea McGrew. “We anticipate a tremendous response, because Ottawa County residents and businesses are remarkably generous.”
        The Bundle Up project will culminate with a Giving Tuesday Open House, a free holiday event on Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the OCCF office. Meet OCCF Trustees, enjoy refreshments and entertainment by Magician Greg Carson, caroling and a Port Clinton Fire & Rescue “Touch-a-Truck” opportunity. An Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department cruiser and canine unit will also be present. Clothing donations will be accepted.
        Additional Giving Tuesday activities are planned at the Ida Rupp Public Library, located directly next door. In tandem with the open house, OCCF will hold an online Silent Auction Fundraiser through Nov. 30.
        For Giving Tuesday details and an auction link, visit ottawaccf.org. Questions may be directed to 412-736-0210 or
brendahaas@live.com.