Bounty in the County this weekend

Area groups team up to collect essential items for those in need

Food items and non-food items to be accepted Saturday during Bounty in the County event

[Tiffin, OH Aug. 23, 2018] – The Seneca County Homeless Coalition along with several other community organizations are to host a Bounty in the County event Saturday to collect items for those in need. Seneca Regional Planning Commission Administrative Assistant Jennifer Porter, who is involved in the homeless coalition, said a food truck is to be parked in the lot of the Seneca County Commissioners’ Office, 111 Madison St., from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Porter said non-perishable items have been collected for about a month, but she encouraged area residents to bring anything they can think of to the event Saturday. She said nearly anything will be accepted, including any non-expired food and also other essential items including toilet paper, shampoo, soap, detergent, diapers, paper towels, dish soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, brushes, comes, foil, plastic wrap and more.

“We’ll accept anything someone who is homeless or someone with low income may need,” Porter said.

After items are collected on Saturday, the items will be disbursed to food banks, churches and directly to families in need. Several groups are involved in the homeless coalition, including but not limited to the city of Tiffin, the city of Fostoria, Seneca County Commissioners, St. Francis, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, local schools, WSOS Community Action, Kiwanis, Tiffin-Seneca United Way and Department of Job and Family Services. Tony Paulus and TPC Food Service are donating a food truck for the event Porter credited Commissioner Mike Kerschner for helping to come up with the idea and homeless coalition Secretary Michelle Tuite, of Tiffin City Schools, for her work in helping make the event happen. Porter said donating items is not the only way to help neighbors in need. She said people also could help by volunteering to collect items from 4-8 p.m. She said those interested in helping out can call her office at (419) 443-7936, extension 1139. Porter encouraged the public to show up and make a difference this weekend.

“It doesn’t take a lot, every item counts,” she said. “If 20 people give one item, that’s 20 items.” Those interested in making a monetary donation can write a check to the Seneca County Homeless Coalition.

Kerschner urged residents to get involved.

“This is a great opportunity to give back to the community that’s been good to you,” he said.