By BONNIE L. HAZEN
Tribune Chronicle
WARREN - A local organization is in need of items to donate to the needy.
The Mahoning Valley Hope Center's Project Hope will distribute food, clothing and other items to those in need every other Wednesday.
They are accepting donations in the form of food, personal hygiene items and clothing - specifically jackets, hats, gloves, blankets and sleeping bags - as well as monetary donations. Anything gifted to the organization is tax-deductible.
Donors are invited to pass out items during the distribution dates, which include Wednesday and Jan. 23 and continue every other Wednesday. Other times also can be arranged at the donor's request.
"We are going to do this throughout the winter," Executive Director Chuck Gantz said.
The nonprofit organization held its launch party in August. It says it is dedicated to helping those in need as well as other local organizations with smaller budgets.
The center is now certified through the Ohio Benefits Bank, a Second Harvest Food Banks program, and public-private partnership including Ohio Association of Food Banks, state and federal agencies as well as community organizations.
Benefits provided by the organization include food assistance, health care coverage, prescription assistance, home energy assistance, child care assistance and veterans education assistance.
The Hope Center now has a general practice doctor, and free appointments are available from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 15, available to anyone in need of treatment who does not have medical insurance. An appointment is required, and can be made by calling 330-369-3010.
For more information or to make a donation, call 330-369-3010 or stop by the center at 3217 Surrey Road in Warren.