United Way of Marion County is teaming up with organizations and local businesses for this year’s United Way Day of Action on June 21, 2016. They are asking Marion County residents to help collect baby items for Care Packs that will be filled and given to infants and toddlers in crisis situations. These children are often the victims of substance abuse in the home and some experience a harsh reality of living in violent homes, or no homes at all.
Organizers ask that you consider contributing new items such as: diapers, wipes, non-perishable baby foods, baby lotion or baby wash, small stuffed animals or blankets (can be homemade), and new or gently used infant books. These items will be combined in reusable bags and gifted to four local community organizations that deal directly with infants in crisis: Marion Children Services, Marion Police Department, Turning Point, and the Heart of Ohio Homeless Shelter.
Public collection sites include: United Way of Marion County, Wal-Mart, YMCA, Marion Senior Center, Marion Police Department, Marion General Hospital, Marion Area Physicians, Marion County Building, Union Bank, and Wyandot Inc. The collection sites will be open to June 20th.
“It takes a community working together to see that children are safe and families are strong,” said Executive Director of Marion Children Services Jacqueline Ringer. “In 2015, Marion County Children Services provided services to over 1,900 children – that’s roughly one out of every seven children in our community. Taking the initiative to ensure parents have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children can help prevent child maltreatment by strengthening families and our community. On behalf of the children and families we serve, thank you for your consideration to reach out and offer help.”
If you or your organization is interested in participating or donating, contact Natalie Longmeier at United Way of Marion County at: natalie@unitedwaymarion.org or call 740-383-3108.
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