United Way of Clinton County receives community relief from far off places.
Wilmington, OH – December 23, 2009 – Christmas came early for the Clinton County Community and it wasn’t delivered in a sleigh but on a jet from New York City. Philanthropist, Ross Dworman watched the 60 Minutes follow up on the DHL pullout Sunday and was moved by the hardships facing this community. On Monday, a call was made to the United Way of Clinton County and a challenge was issued that Mr. Dworman would donate $25,000 but he was looking to make a big impact with local matching funds. Once again the Wilmington community stepped up to help take care of itself. Through the generosity of local companies that include Cincinnati/Dayton Kroger Company, TimberTech, LTD., Generations Pizzeria, Babb Heating & Cooling, Dr. Tom Matrka & Dr. Janet Gick, plus the United Way of Clinton County $50,000.00 will be available to provide food to the Clinton County Community.
The funds generated will be in the form of Kroger Gift Cards that in turn, will be used in a pilot program with Clinton County Community Action Food Bank to provide supplement groceries. This gift cards are in the addition to the food baskets already provided. This service affects nearly 1,000 people on a monthly basis and will make an impact on the health of this community for approximately six months if the service levels stay the same.
“Christmas is the time of miracles and Mr. Dworman has provided a miracle to our community and has also made all of us realize that generosity starts as home and the local businesses that provided this match are to be commended. Many of these companies are feeling the effects of our high levels of unemployment but still found the ability to ensure that the citizens of Clinton County will have food on their tables through the cold months of the year when it become increasingly difficult to afford to feed their families due to higher living costs.” According to Kym Cooper Parks, Executive Director of the United Way of Clinton County.
The gift card program will start working in Clinton County today. Mr. Dworman and his family will be traveling to Wilmington to hand out the first cards at the Community Action Food Bank at 789 N. Nelson Ave., in Wilmington.
“We are proud to partner with these fine organizations in an effort to provide support to our neighbors in Wilmington,” Said Geoff Covert, President of Kroger’s Cincinnati/Dayton Division. “Fighting hunger in our community is one of the highest priorities of the Kroger Co.,” continues Mr. Covert, “We appreciate the commitment organizations like the Clinton County Community Action Food Bank have to helping families have meals, not just during the holiday season but year long.”
The United Way of Clinton County is accepting additional donations to help support this program and 32 other local charities that provide food, clothing, shelter, mental health assistance, and education. These grants are awarded annually from donations made by businesses and citizens of Clinton County Community leading to its goal of making an impact by our community helping itself. Donations can be made at the local United Way office at 31 W Main St., Wilmington, Oh.
Contact:
Kym Cooper Parks
31 W Main St.
Wilmington, Oh 45177
937.383.4846