News from
Community
Resource Services
November 2022
Making a Difference.
Right Here at Home.
An unexpected medical emergency can sometimes have devastating effects on a person's ability to pay their bills. We were recently contacted by a gentleman that had to have emergency surgery. He never needed help with his bills before, but the expenses associated with his surgery and being off of work caused him to fall behind on his rent. We helped with rent and groceries. He was so grateful - he told us he wants to thank us some day by bringing us his homemade spaghetti sauce!
Meijer's Holiday Simply Give Program in Support of CRS!
In their ongoing hunger-relief efforts, Meijer has kicked off their Holiday Simply Give Campaign which will run through December 31st.. During the campaign, customers will be invited to purchase $10 Simply Give cards to support the CRS food pantry. Since Meijer opened their store in Avon in 2019, they have donated close to $25,000 in gift cards that we use to purchase items for our food pantry. We are so fortunate to have a business like Meijer that is committed to supporting the communities where they do business!
Empty Bowls by the Lake
We are very excited to announce that the Empty Bowls by the Lake fundraiser is back! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 19th from 11:00am - 2:00pm at Avon Lake High School, 175 Avon Belden Road. For a donation of $20* you will receive samples of bread and soups from dozens of local restaurants, plus a keepsake hand-crafted bowl as a reminder of all the "empty bowls" in the world.
This event will feature a silent auction with lots of great experience packages and gift baskets including an autographed Nick Chubb football, a raffle for Cleveland Browns tickets and an electric smoker, and live entertainment by Avon High School's Electric Orchestra and singer Johnny Martens.

The mission of Empty Bowls by the Lake is to raise both money and awareness in the fight to end hunger in our neighborhood. They are dedicated to creating positive and lasting changes through the arts, education, and projects that build community. Empty Bowls by the Lake has raised over $93,000 since it began in 2012.

*$20 donation includes a hand-crafted pottery bowl and unlimited soup and bread. Children ages 6-12 accompanied by a paying adult may participate for $5. Children 5 and under are free.
Volunteer Opportunities
  • Pantry workers: This is the time of year when we receive lots of food drives and pantry donations. If you have some time to spare and would like to help sort food, please email Cece Carlson.
  • Bell Ringers: There are a few shifts available for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign at the Giant Eagle in Avon Lake. If you would like to volunteer for a 2-hour shift, please click here.
Holiday Assistance Programs
We are busy preparing for all of our many Holiday Assistance Programs which are designed to provide a wonderful Christmas for our families. If you would like to donate to one or more of these programs, please click here.

We are so grateful for the all of the support we that receive! We couldn't do it without our donors and volunteers!
CRS has been blessed this month with many donations of non-perishable items for our food pantry. Thank you to the following businesses and organizations:

Avenbury Ladies of the Lake, Avon Lake Giant Eagle, Avon Lake United Church of Christ, Avon on the Lake Garden Club, Barry Bagels, Chicks Against Hunger, Christ Church Westshore, Crumbl Cookie, Holy Spirit Church, Holy Trinity Parish, Hooks for Hunger, Hunger Network Food Rescue, New West Siders, PJ's from Grandma, Sprenger Health Care and St.Vincent DePaul.

We are so grateful for all of the donations that help keep our food pantry well stocked. Thank you for making a difference, right here at home!
CHARITY BALL - SAVE THE DATE!

We are very excited to announce the date of the 34th Annual Charity Ball! Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 22, 2023 at The Shipyard Event Center in Lorain. It will be a night you won't want to miss! Sponsorship and auction opportunities are available. Email Sheila for more information.
Don't forget to log into the Amazon Smile website when you make your purchases from Amazon! Amazon Smile will donate .5% of your eligible Amazon purchases when you choose "Avon Lake Community Resource Services" as the charity of your choice.

Amazon Smile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same services.

As of September 2022, Amazon Smile has donated $996.23 to CRS! Thank you to everyone that has already chosen CRS as your charity!

Please login to smile.amazon.com today to begin supporting CRS while you shop!
NUTRITIONAL FOOD DONATIONS

Our food pantry exists thanks to so many who generously donate. We currently are in need of cereal, canned chicken, peanut butter and canned fruit. We do not need any canned vegetables or beans right now.

Thank you for your generous support to help us keep our pantry stocked!
Community Resource Services is a responsive, community-based organization whose mission is to diminish the effect of poverty in Avon and Avon Lake. We provide basic needs assistance and individualized resource and referral services in a compassionate and confidential manner.
We believe in a community where every resident is free from poverty.