Sandusky's giving soul

This story was featured in the July 2022 edition of Sandusky Living magazine. If you're interested in purchasing a copy, call the Register at 419-502-2130 while supplies last. On a cool Wednesday morning in April, more than 100 people queued at OHgo's East Perkins Avenue headquarters for a free fresh produce giveaway. There were no forms to fill out. No questions asked. Anyone in need was welcome to participate at the food drive hosted by local nonprofit OHgo. The why As Sandusky's factories downsized or completely closed, many jobs migrated from the manufacturing sector to the service industry. While plentiful, these jobs pay far less. Raising a family in the Vacationland is an ever-increasing struggle. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 21% of Sandusky's 25,000 residents live in poverty. The Department of Health and Human Services' poverty guidelines show that a single person making less than $13,590 per year is living in poverty. Sanduskians, though, have a high charitable spirit. They help their neighbors. They strive to make sure their fellow residents do not slip into oblivion. "Throughout its over 200-year history there is an incredible history of giving," said Eric Wobser, Sandusky city manager. "Sandusky supports those most in need, steps up during disasters, and nourishes arts and culture through generous individuals, organizations and philanthropic organizations. Many area organizations aim to lend a helping hand to those in need. The Community Action Commission, Care and Share, Volunteers of America and OHgo all provide help to those who need it. But it is people, area residents, that make these non-profits work. The tireless devotion of volunteers extends helping hands to those in need. The beginning One non-profit that assists thousands of people every year is OHgo. The organization provides food to people in need, regardless of income. OHgo was founded seven years ago by friends Kendra Faulkner and Christine Boesch. In the beginning, they worked out of a closet at their church. Today, the non-profit operates out of a 3,000-square-foot facility and a small fleet of vehicles. More space allows OHgo's 60 volunteers to help more people. "Many people assume we are part of a huge mainstream charity," Faulkner said. "We are local to Erie County. We are a grassroots non-profit." OHgo works because of the drive and dedication of its directors and volunteers to go where the need is and make a positive impact in the world. "I like people. I like what we do for people here," said volunteer Chuck Rutger. "We provide a service. People appreciate that." Rutger pointed out the fact that, from time to time, everyone has needed a helping hand. He is a jack of all trades at OHgo. On that cool Wednesday, he was directing car drivers to parking spaces. He also performs light maintenance and packs food parcels. "Where I see a need, I fill a need," the retired factory worker said. Volunteer Ed Pawlowski said he thinks it is important for people to be helpful to each other. "They need to experience love and care, like anyone does," he said. Pawlowski, who retired from Perkins Local School District in 2013, said giving his time at OHgo to help others makes him appreciate what he has. "Doing this reminds me how much I've been blessed," he said. After the produce giveaway ended, ten volunteers assembled 175 food parcels in about one hour. The boxes contained things like mashed potato mix, cereal, beans, pancake mix and Nutrigrain bars. Without supplies, though, the effort would quickly run aground. That's where partners like Sam's Club, Meijer and Mucci Farms come in. While much of what OHgo gives away comes from Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, many of those donations originate from Sandusky-area businesses. Faulkner estimated OHgo donated over 65,000 pounds of food in March and served more than 9,900 people. Beyond the fresh produce giveaway that happens three times a week, OHgo also sets up mobile pantries several times a month. The non-profit's volunteers also assemble boxes of food items for seniors and others who may be homebound or lack transportation.