Every year during the holiday season, the Ottawa County Holiday Bureau provides assistance to those in need – including food, toys, warm hats and mittens for children and other items many families may take for granted. The assistance comes thanks to generous donations by residents, schools and businesses.

In partnership with the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots, in 2009 the Holiday Bureau brightened the lives of 914 families – 2,827 people, 50 percent of them under 18 – in Ottawa County. That translates to seven percent of the population.

In mid-December, an army of volunteers is needed to sort and pack the donations in preparation for distribution.

How to help
Cash donations are essential. The Holiday Bureau saw a 10 percent increase in need in 2009 and could see a similar increase this year.

Most local churches participate in Giving Sundays, when church members are asked to donate canned goods and/or cash donations, as well as mittens and hats, which are in urgent need this year. A basic donation box typically includes meat, potatoes, noodles, rice or stuffing, canned and fresh vegetables and fruit, soup, boxed foods, condiments, coffee or tea and juice. Also included are laundry and dish detergent, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and paper products. This year, Giving Sundays will be held Nov. 22 and 29 and Dec. 6.

For more information about Giving Sundays or how to make a donation to the Holiday Bureau, contact Judy Just, Holiday Bureau chairperson, at 419-798-4163.

Getting help
Individuals and families that need assistance may contact the representative in their area of Ottawa County. They include:

Larry Coats – Benton/Carroll/Salem/Oak Harbor, 419-862-2545.

Helen Frye – Catawba, 419-797-4642.

Judy Just, Danbury, 419-798-4163.

Bonnie Kaspar – Bay/Erie/Portage/Port Clinton, 419-734-2930.

Kathy Mapes – Allen/Clay/Genoa, 419-654-6273.

Esteban Reyes – Harris/Elmore, 491-862-2968.

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