HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS
CHARITABLE HEARTS NEEDED DURING PANDEMIC HOLIDAYS During a year that has brought untold hardships on communities worldwide, the need for charitable donations will be felt more than ever this holiday season. From partial to total job losses, increased vulnerabilities to physical and mental health and other pandemic-related strains, it is safe to say even the smallest acts of kindness will stretch a long way. “Westerville residents have always stepped up to help those in need. More families may find themselves in the position of having less on the holiday table during meals and fewer gifts to exchange because of the pandemic,” said Westerville Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi. Cocuzzi is a founding member of Neighbor2Neighbor (N2N), a grassroots initiative that advocates for acts of kindness in the City. The group has been active during the pandemic, sewing face masks and hosting a Kindness Rally in October. Due to the pandemic, Westerville Caring & Sharing is shifting its donation efforts to low-to-no contact options. “The community has always gone above and beyond to help Westerville Caring & Sharing and our hope is that this year will be no different. We will need approximately 200 $25
gift cards to any grocery store and approximately 500 $50 gift cards to local stores,” said Mary Pugh, Vice President of Westerville Caring & Sharing. “Our families will provide us with their child’s gift wish and we will match up a gift card that will allow them to purchase their wished-for item. We know that this is not as fulfilling as shopping for the items, but for now it is the safest idea we have come up with.” www.westervillecaringandsharing.org The Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) will continue its tradition of collecting non-perishable food items through their Holiday Food Drive. Brown paper bags will be delivered to Westerville residents on Nov. 28 to be filled with non-perishable items. WARM volunteers will collect donations on Dec. 5. www.warmwesterville.org. Westerville Neighborhood Bridges will continue soliciting support from the community for neighbors in need at www. neighborhoodbridges.org/community/westerville. Find a list of organizations soliciting support or that can help a person or family in need at www.n2nwesterville.org.
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