Giving Tree fundraiser said successful

Information submitted

The Van Wert Arts Factory (VWAF), an initiative of Main Street Van Wert, recently hosted the second annual Grateful Hearts Giving Tree.

This project provides gifts for area elderly affiliated with the Van Wert County Council on Aging (COA) Senior Center.  With the help of the community, over $2,000 worth of gifts and gifts cards were purchased locally for the Grateful Hearts Giving Tree, benefiting 110 seniors.

“It is with a grateful heart that the Van Wert Arts Factory was able to provide this avenue to ensure the elderly will receive a gift during the holiday season,” said Arts Factor volunteer manager Tomi Jaycox. “Many area seniors are suffering not only from health issues, but financial needs as well.”

Jaycox noted that the Council on Aging requested gifts be in the form of gift cards from area grocery stores, hardware stores, department stores, etc., because all of the Council’s clients assisted by the Giving Tree are on fixed incomes, and some are not able to pay for all their needs — especially considering the cost of groceries and prescriptions. Gift cards allow these people to choose the items they most need, and perhaps even provide small luxuries that will be very much appreciated.

For more information on how to give to a needy senior citizen in the area, contact Adam Ries at Main Street Van Wert, 136 E. Main St. or call 419.238.6911.

This project was made possible, in part, by the following contributing sponsors: Ace Hardware, Balyeat’s Coffee House, John K. Eversman DDS, First Federal Savings & Loan, Denise and Steve Frey, Klosterman Pizza, Rhoades Insurance Agency, Runser & Putman LLC, Van Wert Massotherapy, WERT/WKSD Radio, and The Van Wert independent.