City commits to Care and Share

SANDUSKY — Ahead of their annual donation drive, Sandusky city commissioners provided a big boost to a leading organization feeding underserved locals. During a recent public meeting, officials gave $5,000 to Care and Share of Erie County, establishing a baseline while encouraging others to contribute funds toward this nonprofit. The money comes from Sandusky's everyday operating budget. In fact, city commissioners plan to host their yearly fundraiser, known as Fill the Bin, at Care and Share — 241 Jackson St., Sandusky — from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 6. All money received benefits Care and Share. "The need this year is great, but this commission has accepted the responsibility to raise $5,000 from the city commission table," commissioner Dave Waddington said. "Checks can be made out to Care and Share or can be dropped off during the week." This past month, city commissioners also approved similar $5,000 donations for Victory Kitchen and Father's Heart Family Church, two other nonprofits feeding locals in need. "We all are aware of how dramatically this affects many of our residents who rely on government assistance for the food they eat," he added. "These (nonprofits are among the) many very worthy local support agencies that play a role in feeding people on a daily basis. (They) are located in the city, and the majority of their clients are city residents." Care and Share's situation Care and Share purchases food and hygiene products by writing grant requests and receiving donations from locals and/or organizations. It does not obtain any regular public subsidy. The $5,000 represents a significant amount to continue Care and Share's mission of helping less fortunate locals. Last year, more than 2,700 households were served food, of which more than 1,000 were new households. That is about 274,000 meals provided. The 43-day-long federal government shutdown, which ended in mid-November, greatly strained nonprofits like Care and Share. People didn't receive their food assistance benefits on time, and some might still have difficulties in getting them, placing even more of a need on Care and Share to supply residents with essentials. "This year, the apple cart almost tipped over completely," said Anita Kromer, Care and Share's executive director. To meet increasing demands, throughout the fall, Care and Share diverted money from purchasing items — such as detergent, dishwashing soap, toilet paper, shampoo and other basic hygiene products, which cannot be purchased with SNAP — so it could buy more food. SNAP is often shortened to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Kromer, however, reflected on finding a silver lining throughout this challenging time. "From this situation, an increased awareness was achieved in communities, state and the nation of how many people struggle daily to feed themselves and their families," she said. "Additionally, how our community responded by embracing the need with an outpouring of support for all the food pantries and providers in our community with physical donations of food, monetary donations, donations of time and support … was monumental," Kromer added. "To all our donors, please know you have and give hope to the people in our community. People can visit facebook.com/eriecountycareandshare for more information. People can also visit careandshareerieco.org to donate.