BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Crawford County Council on Aging (COA), a private non-profit agency serving senior citizens since 1974, is now accepting donations of non-perishable food items and toiletry/pet items for their new initiative, the COA Commodity Closet.
Courtney Moody, the activities coordinator at COA, expressed the urgent need for these items among the county’s seniors. “We are really seeing a need in our county seniors and are hoping to help with the community’s assistance,” said Moody.
The COA Commodity Closet aims to stock staple food items and other essentials such as toilet paper, tissues, soap, toothpaste, pet food, and more. Moody highlighted an often overlooked necessity: can openers. “A lot of canned food tends to be donated to food pantries, but do people have the means to open the cans? Many seniors may struggle with a traditional can opener and electric can openers can be expensive so pull-tab cans would be preferred,” she explained.
In an innovative approach to encourage senior participation, the COA will offer vouchers to seniors attending activities and congregate lunches. These vouchers can be redeemed at the Commodity Closet.
The COA plans to post rules and open hours at their location. Moody expressed hope that the Commodity Closet will be operational by February.
The COA continues to welcome the community’s assistance in this endeavor to support the county’s seniors.