BUCYRUS — The Crawford County Council on Aging is collecting donations to fill Sunshine Bags, also known as Blessing Bags, for local senior citizens.

Sunshine Bags will be delivered to the more than 300 local seniors who receive home-delivered meals, congregate meals and homecare services. We need the community’s help to fill these bags.

“Many of these seniors are homebound, unable to leave their homes for needed items or are too scared to leave because of the coronavirus,” said Courtney Moody, COA activities coordinator.

Items being collected include:

  • Face masks (can be homemade)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Tissues
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand soap
  • Hand lotion
  • Puzzle books
  • Individually wrapped snacks

The COA is also asking parents and guardians to have their children create cards, drawings or coloring pages to brighten a senior’s day. Kids/adults may add a nice, simple note such as “I hope you have a nice day! from Alaina, age 5.” A ballot box will be provided outside as a no-contact drop off for the artwork at the COA.

“This is a great opportunity to let the kids have some creativity and get involved in community service,” Moody said. “Let them draw, let them paint, let them scribble. I think their artwork will bring many smiles to our seniors. Small acts of kindness can go a long way.”

There are two donation drop-off sites available:

  • Crawford County Council on Aging, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 200 S. Spring St., Bucyrus
  • Galion-Crestline Chamber of Commerce, from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays, 138 Harding Way West.

For details, please call Courtney Moody at the Council on Aging at 419-562-3050 Opt. 4 or visit our website at https://crawfordcountyaging.com/sunshine-bags/

The Crawford County Council on Aging is a private non-profit agency serving senior citizens since 1974.

The mission of the Crawford County Council on Aging, Inc. is to be a focal point for the provision of advocacy, and in-home and community-based services, which will enhance the quality of life for the older adult population of Crawford County by facilitating their efforts to maintain maximum independence as they exercise their right to remain living with dignity in the community.