Now that we’ve all had some time to take a deep breath and contemplate the political successes of 2020, this is a good time for us to switch gears and, as a group, contribute directly to our community. As you know, poverty and food insecurity in America are at an all-time high. Those trying to combat both need all the assistance they can get. This is an opportune time for our groups to help provide that assistance.
THE PLAN: partner with a local food pantry, NeighborhoodServices, Inc. (NSI), to contribute specific items for their families–items needed now.
ABOUT NSI: NSI is a food pantry located on N. 4th St. near the OSU campus district and the Ohio State Fairgrounds, in existence since 1965. In 2019, over 10,000 families visited the pantry for food assistance. It will surely be more this year. Zip codes serviced are 43201, 43202, 43210 43211, and 43221 and 43220, (that’s right – our neighbors). Areas include, Linden, Weinland Park, the OSU area, Upper Arlington, parts of Northwest Columbus, and South Clintonville. NSI’S MISSION is to put healthy meals on the tables of those in need in the Columbus community.
In addition to providing a regular supply of groceries, NSI strives to improve the quality of life in the Columbus community by compassionately and respectfully serving the needs of our neighbors in other ways. NSI typically offers a Back to School Program, Holiday Food programs, Christmas Gift Adoptions, a venue for free Tax Preparation with AARP, and the processing of Rental Assistance applications. The two holiday programs are in process right now, with over 500 families signed up for receipt of a Thanksgiving holiday dinner and/or Christmas gifts for children under 12 years old.
HOW CAN WE HELP? We often take for granted the simplest needs in our lives, for example having shampoo, tooth paste and deodorant regularly on hand. But for some of our neighbors, it is a choice between having food on the table or a supply of personal hygiene items in the closet. At NSI, neighbors often ask about the availability of these items, but most often they are not in supply. The pantry can buy food from Mid-Ohio Foodbank at greatly reduced prices, but shampoo, deodorant and the like must be obtained elsewhere. Because of the connection between NSI, UA and NW Columbus, we are sponsoring a drive to donate a meaningful supply of personal hygiene items for distribution to families served by Neighborhood Services during this holiday season. If we all participate, the impact on those less fortunate in our community will be significant.
➢ PLEASE JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
ITEMS NEEDED (for both women and men) (standard sizes):
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Disposable razors
- Shaving cream
- Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
- (NO SOAP please. NSI can readily obtain)
COLLECTION DATES:
Tuesday, December 1 through Tuesday, December 8
DROP-OFF LOCATIONS: any of these 3 locations (each will have box on porch)
- 1178 Francisco Rd.
- 4347 Castleton Rd.
- 2280 Canterbury Rd. (porch on Mountview side)
ITEMS TO BE DELIVERED TO NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES:
Thursday, December 10
Please help us make a generous, meaningful contribution!Best wishes to you and your family!
Your Friends at Organizing4UA & Columbus NW Blues
