When Toledo Free Press and several partners — Columbia Gas of Ohio, Hollywood Casino Toledo, Wells Fargo Advisors, WNWO and 1370 WSPD — launched Free From Hunger 2013, we of course knew there was no imminent end to the problem. If anything, the agencies we have helped — Food For Thought, Feed Lucas County Children and Cherry Street Mission Ministries — are busier than ever. But in terms of raising awareness and much-needed funds, the year’s campaign is a success.
In addition to the $15,000 cash that has been raised and distributed to these agencies through the Toledo Community Foundation, several events kept the spotlight on hunger in our hometown. Free From Hunger 2013 played a role in such fundraising events as the concert with “Bachelor” Bob Guiney, the tremendously successful Jam City peanut butter-and-jelly event, Food Fight 419, the Hunger Awareness Family Festival, the upcoming “Anchorman 2” reception with WTOL-11 anchor Jerry Anderson and others.
As we enter the holiday season, we will feature more about the Cherry Street Mission. As stated on its website, “Cherry Street provides a variety of services to roughly 400 people a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We serve any person in need of food, clothing, shelter, and supportive services who comes to our doors. No one is turned away.”
That is a major responsibility that requires nonstop effort and action. As many of us prepare for the bounty and festivities of the holiday season, it is imperative that we help our neighbors. Cherry Street Mission does not receive any United Way or government funds for its programs. There are many ways you can help:
- Make a monetary donation.
- Mail in a donation form.
- Donate online.
- Become a Pillar of Hope monthly giver.
- Volunteer your time and talents.
- Donate items such as food and clothing.
- Donate specific items on the mission’s wish list.
- Donate other items such as cash, stocks, bonds, automobiles, boats, real estate, collectibles, bequests, life insurance, charitable trusts and donor-advised funds.
We thank our partners in Free From Hunger 2013. And while we are pleased to have helped in some small way, we also recognize this is a long-term battle that will require many more movements, many more partners and many more understanding and giving hearts.
Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. Contact him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.
