Nonprofit needs new truck

PERKINS TWP. — OHgo's trusted truck has delivered smiles, supplies and subsistence for years. But now the nonprofit needs help getting back on the road. OHgo — a mobile nonprofit known for bringing food, books and happiness directly into neighborhoods in and around the greater Sandusky area — is calling on the community to help fund a new outreach truck, replacing an all-important vehicle in its tiny fleet. The nonprofit's leadership team describes it as "a vital vehicle that powers some of the organization's most beloved programs." "We're a mobile nonprofit that serves people where they are," said Christine Boesch, OHgo's co-founder and operations director. "Whether it's food, books or holiday cheer, we bring resources and build relationships as close to homes as possible." Founded in 2015, OHgo's mission is to meet people where they are with resources that build dignity, joy and connection. The organization's largest resource is its food pantry, but it also hosts field trips, summer literacy events and seasonal celebrations. Known as "Old Blue," OHgo's original box truck — which delivers these supplies and gets nonprofit representatives to sites so it can serve people — has officially reached the end of the road, Boesch said. Once a reliable workhorse-turned-mobile library, holiday headquarters and even a traveling pumpkin patch, the truck is no longer safe to drive. Now OHgo seeks to raise $30,000 to purchase a new vehicle that will continue to deliver creativity, connection and care to families across Erie and Huron counties. Why the truck matters A new vehicle will continue fulfilling OHgo's mission by, among other avenues: • Showing up with live Christmas trees • Delivering gifts to kids • Transforming into a mobile library where children can pick out books to build their own home libraries Especially during the summertime, the truck plays a critical role in reaching children with kid-friendly foods and literacy support when school is out, Boesch said. It visits neighborhoods and after-school programs, offering read-alouds, playtime and free books for children ages toddler through 13. "The old truck was never just a vehicle — it was our mobile library, our holiday headquarters and our way of showing up for people," Boesch said. "Now that it's no longer safe to drive, we need a new one to keep bringing joy, books and support right to people's neighborhoods." How to help OHgo is accepting donations to fund the new truck through its website and by mail. The nonprofit has also applied for a grant from a local community foundation. Donors can choose from sponsorship levels with opportunities to have their business name or logo displayed on the new truck or on food pantry shelves as a thank you. People can donate by: • Visiting ohgoreach.org • Mailing a check to OHgo / 3616 Plum Brook Circle / Sandusky, OH 44870 "This truck is important because it allows us to continue delivering food and other resources directly to underserved neighborhoods and eliminate transportation barriers for families in need," Boesch said.