FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Second Saturday" Anticipates Increased Needs

Food, toys, top holiday lists for local agencies

Chillicothe, OH (November 7, 2009)

Beginning with Thanksgiving dinner and continuing through Christmas, several local agencies will be working hard to brighten the holidays for individuals and families in need. Donations of food and toys are critical for these efforts.

“With so many facing economic struggles just to keep their homes, feed their families, and pay their bills this year, we know this will be a difficult time” says Mary Elsass, executive director, United Way of Ross County. “Because caring and giving are holiday traditions, we hope many others can help us share some holiday joy and, at the same time, meet some very basic needs.”

United Way and its community partner James 218, invite area residents, businesses and organizations to drive through and drop off donations at the convenient downtown collection site.

“Second Saturday”
November 14
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Parking Lot -- 30 East Main Street

Agencies Seeking Donations:

• Salvation Army:  NEW toys, dolls, games, books, videos, arts & crafts kits and supplies for children, infant to age 12; NEW winter hats, scarves, gloves and mittens.
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters: Holiday gift wrappings – paper, tissue, bows, tape; gifts and gift cards for teens
• Good Samaritan Food Pantry:  Canned or packaged  non-perishable foods; baby food and cereals; peanut butter & jelly
• Goodwill Industries:  New or gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves to be given to families in need.  Also accepting household items for retail store resale to fund workshop and job training programs for individuals with physical, developmental or other employment barriers.

“Second Saturday,” a community outreach program co-sponsored by United Way of Ross County and James 218, a local Christian ministry,  was launched in 2006  to seek and accept donations that meet both special and routine needs of local service agencies and their clients.

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