Submitted article
The Galion community continues to show its support in the fight to end childhood hunger. Donley Ford of Galion stepped forward with a monetary donation recently to support the students of the Galion City School District and the Galion Backpack Program, sponsored by the Ohio Heartland Community Action Agency.
“The donation from Donley Ford of Galion helps to ensure all of the students who qualify for the program will have food to eat on Saturday and Sunday when school is not in session,” Food Service Director Jacki Corona said. “Any food or monetary donations specifically designated for the Backpack Program directly benefit students of the Galion City School District.”
Tim Waddell, General Sales Manager for Donley Ford of Galion, presented a check to Galion City School District Superintendent Mark Stefanik and Assistant Food Services Coordinator Laurie Yeater. Waddell and the Donley Ford staff also have placed Backpack Program food collection boxes in the dealership.
“We feel that any involvement in the local schools and local community functions is very important,” Waddell said. “We are a local business and feel that we are a major part of Galion, and try to get involved as much as we can.”
Donley Ford’s donation to the Backpack Program is just one of many contributions to the Galion City School District. Recently, the local business has been involved with the district’s athletic programs, providing funding for the boys basketball program and cheerleading squad.
“Being a parent, I understand how difficult it can be sometimes with major expenses,” Waddell said. “When we have the opportunity to help the local schools and local kids, I think it’s a great opportunity.”
As the sponsor of the Backpack Program, Ohio Heartland Community Action Agency utilizes food it receives from the Second Harvest Food Bank to supply the meals to Galion students. Many times, the resources they receive don’t meet the entire need, and then the staff goes to the store and purchases what is needed.
“Any business or organization that is interested in supporting a worthy cause can choose to help Community Action by providing food and/or monetary donations to help the organization assist local families,” Corona said. “We met a family who has received help from Community Action and is now volunteering their time to help pay it forward.”
Community Action is where a student gets qualified for the Backpack program. Parents interested in applying for the Backpack program for their child should contact Community Action directly by stopping in or calling their office.
“I want to thank Donley Ford of Galion for their continuing support of Galion City School District students,” Superintendent Mark Stefanik said. “Childhood hunger is a real issue for many of our students, and we appreciate the support provided by Ohio Heartland Community Action Agency, Donley Ford of Galion and the entire Galion community. By working together, we can help ensure our students have meals when they are not at school.”
Those interested in supporting the Backpack Program have several options to make a contribution. The Food Service department will be collecting donations through the end of the school year. Those wishing to make contributions through the school district can drop off donations in any school office or the cafeteria.
“The need is not just during the school year, it is ongoing and Community Action works through the summer months to provide our families with meals when school is not in session,” Corona said. “Supporting the Community Action Backpack program may be the opportunity that a business or organization is looking for to help those in need in our community.”
Donations can also be taken directly to the Ohio Heartland Community Action Agency office located at 124 Buehler Street in Galion. Please call Community Action at 419-468-5121 if you have questions or wish to apply for the Backpack Program.