OhioHealth and Partners Support Local Families at Van Wert Food Drive

In an effort to tackle food insecurity, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital collaborated with United Way and the West Ohio Food Bank to host the first of two planned summer food drives at Trinity Friends Church on July 23. Volunteers from all three organizations distributed both food and household items to those in need.

The initiative provided over 8 tons of food to more than 200 families in just two hours. 

"I think you're in awe the whole time,” Paula Stabler, chief nursing officer at Van Wert Hospital, told WLIO. “You don't really realize how many people need assistance, so just to see the cars lined up even an hour before we started here—to get that was just overwhelming, like it just fills your cup knowing that you were able to serve people in the community.”

Volunteers shared how rewarding it felt to give back to the community. Some like Verna Gillette, who used to rely on the pantry herself, found new meaning by helping others. She remembers standing in line to receive food and feeling a calling. 

“Ever since, I've been helping out here and I help inside at the food bank, and it has brought a purpose to my life,” Gillette told WLIO.

The next food drive is scheduled for August 27, 2024, from noon to 2 p.m. at Trinity Friends Church, located at 605 N Franklin St, Van Wert, OH 45891.

For those interested in volunteering, please contact James.Whitaker@OhioHealth.com or Kimberly.Everhart@OhioHealth.com.