‘Grab & Go’ snack bags to be distributed

VW independent/submitted information

During this unexpected “extended” Spring Break due to the national coronavirus emergency, the United Way of Van Wert County will be providing “grab & go” snack bags once a week for families with children under the age of 18.  Locations have been designated for distribution in Van Wert, Convoy, Wren, Willshire, Ohio City, and Middle Point. 

Those locations include the S.F. Goedde Building (Jefferson Street gym doors) in Van Wert, Convoy United Methodist Church parking lot, the stone parking lot across from the village office in Middle Point, Ohio City Village Hall downtown, the Wren Town Hall, and the Fire Department/PhotoStar building, 307 State St., in Willshire.

None of this would be possible without the help and cooperation of a number of people. A huge “thank you” to Van Wert City Schools and Bill Clifton for helping with coordination and planning, GLM Trucking and Spencer Wise for loading and hauling, Van Wert Pallet Company, Walmart and Rural King, which donated plastic bags, the Boy Scouts, Mike Smith from the Trinity Friends Food Pantry, United Way Board members, and community members who helped unload the truck and organize the food.  

Thanks also to Van Wert County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy for his assistance with logistics and Vantage Superintendent Rick Turner and Vantage’s Truck Driving Academy students and staff, who will haul next week’s load.

The United Way is accepting money donations If anyone would like to contribute to help defray the cost of the snack bags. Since the office is closed to walk-in traffic, those wanting to donate should send checks to; The United Way of Van Wert County, 136 E. Main St., Van Wert, OH  45891 and make checks payable to The United Way of Van Wert County. Write “snack bags” on the memo line.