Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services Newsletter
March, 2020


In times like these I am overwhelmed by the generosity of our community members.  In the past week, we have been contacted by so many people who want to help.  We've received monetary donations, donations to the food pantry, offers from people to volunteer to pack up food orders or to help delivery groceries to people who cannot leave their home. I am hopeful that when we get through this crisis, we will know that we weathered the storm together while looking out for the most vulnerable among us.

As of now, we will continue to offer food and financial assistance to our clients.  We have changed the way we provide this assistance with the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and clients as our top priority. We want to make sure that we play a constructive role by practicing social distancing to help contain the virus.

We remain sincerely grateful for the support expressed by so many in these unprecedented times.

Until then, please be well,

Pam Ohradzansky
Executive Director
 
HELPING OUR SENIORS
 
On Wednesday, March 4th, CRS hosted a light breakfast for 32 residents of Beachpark Tower located in Avon Lake.
 
Lauren Ksiazek, Executive Director of Lorain County Office on Aging was the guest speaker providing information about programs and services offered by her agency. The information was well received and will hopefully get attendees to contact the agency and utilize their services.
 
A grant from The Community Foundation of Lorain County allows CRS to meet the needs of the senior population by providing basic needs assistance and individualized resource and referral services.
 
CRS truly values our senior population and we enjoy meeting with them, allowing us to get to know them better through this type of event.
 

2020 Census
 
Historically, and for a variety of reasons, some demographics that we serve are undercounted in each decennial census. The goal of the census is to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place.  It provides vital information that communities rely on in order to receive federal funds for things like schools, roads and emergency services.  
 
We are starting a new program to help our clients understand the importance of completing the survey.  We will set up a dedicated, private area where they will be able to get information about what questions will be asked, how the information will be used and how the information will not be used.  There will be a phone and computer available for them to complete the census right in the CRS office.
 
We are looking forward to doing our part to help our community by making sure that all of our residents are counted!
 
 REUSABLE GROCERY BAG CONTEST!

There are lots of good reasons to use reusable grocery bags and we had a contest to encourage our clients to use them.  During the month of January and February, if they brought in their reusable grocery bags (supplied by CRS)  they would be entered in a contest to win a $50 gift card to BW3!  The contest was a big success - we received 148 entries!  It was so successful that we have decided to continue the contest for March through April!
 
Charity Ball Photos

To see all the photos taken at the 2020 Charity Ball, click on the following  link:

Enjoy!

  
Please save the date for the annual Hooks for Hunger Charity Walleye Tournament! This year's event will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2020.

The day will include the fishing tourn-ament, dinner, an awards presentation and raffles. All proceeds raised will go directly to CRS.

For more information, contact Ed Moran at 440-930-4161 or emoran@avonlake.org.


 
Our food pantry exists thanks to so many who generously donate! We currently are in need of donations of  cereal, pasta sauce, canned pastas, canned fruit, snack foods and side dishes.

Thank you in advance for your kind generosity!    


COMMUNITY THANKS

CRS has truly been blessed this month with many donations of non-perishable items for our food pantry.

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations: Avon Lake Early Childhood PTA, Avon Lake Garden Club, Avon Middle School, Avon on the Lake Garden Club, Eastview Elementary, Eastview Elementary Kindergarten, Holy Spirit Church, Independence Village, Avenbury Ladies of the Lake,  Redwood Elementary School, Redwood Elementary School Kindergarten, and Redwood K Kids.  

This is in addition to the many individuals who bring donations to the CRS office on a daily basis.  We are so very grateful for all of the donations that help keep our food pantry well stocked. Thank you for making a difference, right here at home!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


Very special thanks to Debbie Frazier and her granddaughter, Drew.  When they spend time together they make special treats for our clients such as these adorable pots filled with candy to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  They've also made things for Christmas, Valentine's Day and they're planning to do something for Easter too!  Our clients just love to receive these thoughtful, special treats!
Save the Date!

20th Annual Eagle Run - Saturday, May 23, 2020
Hooks for Hunger - Saturday, June 27, 2020
Homeruns for Hunger - Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services

 

Our Mission: Community Resource Services is a responsive, community-based organization whose mission is to diminish the effects of poverty in Avon and Avon Lake. We provide basic needs assistance and individualized resource and referral services in a compassionate and confidential manner.