It's that time of the year! The Season of Giving! It's a chance for you to give to those in need in Ashland County. Associated Charities of Ashland is preparing to give away Thanksgiving Meal Kits (November 17th), Christmas Meal Kits (December 15th) and Christmas Toys (December- date TBD).
Associated Charities Executive Director Chris Box explained items for the meal kits are ready and the Thanksgiving and Christmas meal kits will be packed in early November and December respectively. Box added that the need to stock the shelves of The Ashland County Food Bank is apparent year round and that demand for assistance is heavier around the Holidays.
Among the items most needed in the food bank are non-perishable food items, cereal, oatmeal, juice, egg noodles, snack items, ramen noodles, and peanut butter. Personal hygiene are also needed including soaps, shampoos, body wash, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper and tissues, and men's and women's deodorants. Household items such as laundry soap, dish soap are needed as well.
Associated Charities' "Santa's Gift Shop" needs stocked with new unwrapped toys for infants up to children age 18, children that otherwise might not have a gift to open this Christmas because of financial hardship in the home. Box explained that teenagers are the hardest to shop for and suggested electronic toys like headphones, sports balls, sports water bottles, Legos for younger teens, arts & crafts kits, board games and colognes or perfumes.
Associated Charities has an Adopt A Family program which connects you to a local family who needs you help while the give remains anonymous. You can request to adopt a family and then Associated Charities will provide you with a wish list of their needs and wants. Financial donations are also accepted.
Donations can be dropped off at Associated Charities at 240 Cleveland Avenue in Ashland, Monday thru Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. You can visit www.associatedcharities.com for more information.
Associated Charities is a United Way of Ashland Agency.