Geauga County – All Geauga County Public Library locations are collecting food for Geauga families in need throughout the month of March 2015. People who would like to donate nonperishable food items may do so at the collection bins at the following locations: Bainbridge Library, Chardon Library, Geauga West Library in Chesterland, Middlefield Library, Newbury Library Station and Thompson Library Station. See www.GeaugaLibrary.net for addresses and contact information.
The need is extremely great this year, as donations from the Cleveland Food Bank into Geauga County food pantries have been cut by 90 percent. All food items, toiletries and cleaning supplies collected at GCPL locations will stay in Geauga County. “We are pleased to partner with the Geauga Hunger Task Force,” says Director Deborah F. O’Connor. “We are committed to helping Geauga County, and our wide geographic availability makes us an ideal resource to collect food and get it to our own citizens who need it the most.”
The Geauga Hunger Task Force has been in existence since 1977 and is a volunteer-driven organization whose mission is to ensure that no resident of Geauga County goes hungry. The Task Force operates seven food pantries that provide help to families in need. In 2013, these pantries served more than 10,000 residents, an increase of ten percent from 2012, mostly among residents age 60 and older.
Anyone in need of food assistance is encouraged to call 2-1-1 First Call for Help. Families are provided with 10 days of nutritious food. There is no restriction as to age, employment status or family size. The GHTF is supported by food and monetary donations by generous residents, churches, schools, businesses and community organizations.
Suggested items for donation include:
? Canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.)
? Canned and boxed meals (soup, chili, stews, macaroni and cheese)
? Canned fruits and vegetables
? Peanut butter
? Cereal
? Powdered baby formula
? Pasta and rice
? Diapers
? Toothpaste and toothbrushes
? Soap and shampoo
? Bathroom tissue
