Catholic Charities serves the poor in Sandusky, Norwalk

SANDUSKY — Local offices of Catholic Charities serve the poor and are advocates for the voiceless.Catholic Charities USA, a nationwide network of charities, was founded in 1910, according to their website.In north-central Ohio, Catholic Charities has offices at 428 Tiffin Avenue in Sandusky and 48 Executive Drive in Norwalk. Both are operated through the Diocese of Toledo.Their mission is to create "the love God has for each individual regardless of their faith or background" through service to poor and neglected members of the community, respecting and promoting life "from beginning to end," and supporting and nurturing individuals and families, their website states.Both the Sandusky and Norwalk Catholic Charities offices provide crisis navigation services, financial education, family support and guidance and adult advocacy services. Norwalk's Catholic Ministries operates the Miriam House, a facility that provides housing to homeless women and their children, the website states. The website says the Miriam House accepts donations for items like shampoo, toothpaste and other personal care products, as well as baby items, bath towels, household cleaning products and more. The Catholic Ministries office in Sandusky runs a furniture ministry, which provides pieces of furniture to eligible families.Rebecca Owens, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo, said the furniture ministry relies on donations from the community. Since many people live in smaller apartments, the ministry often prefers smaller sofas, love seats and tables. Those with questions for the Norwalk office should call them at 419-668-3073. People seeking information, or who want to donate furniture, to the Sandusky office should call 419-502-0043.This trailer is used to haul furniture for the furniture ministry of the Sandusky Catholic Charities office.