Enon community unites to collect 3K pounds of food

Enon’s young folks were collecting more than candy this past Saturday.

The annual Enon Youth Food Drive combined the abundant energy of local Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, American Heritage Girls, Venture Crew, 4H clubs and assorted groups to collect donations for Enon Emergency Relief. This event was co-chaired by Terry Bean and Bob Cathcart.

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Each group had a different area in the township and village to notify residents then collect.

For example Jennifer Kitchen told me that American Heritage Girls picked up 10 full bags of food items in Holiday Valley.

Groceries were then transported by each group to the Enon Relief building, 105 Scott St. This building is located under the water tower and behind the veterinary clinic and the village garage.

Because of the cold damp weather, an awning was set up over the garage door, which was opened in order to receive the large quantities of donations.

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Local youth helped in weighing the groceries.

“They were in here sorting, moving boxes, cleaning up and organizing,” Karen Smith said. “They love to help.”

At the end of the day more than 2,500 pounds of food had been donated. Smith expected that number to grow before the weekend was over.

The donations from the Trunk or Treat at Hustead School House at Oakdale Farms Farm Market were collected Saturday evening and some late donations that found their own way in to the pantry would be added to the total.

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The first annual Trunk or Treat at Hustead School House was a huge success, according to organizers. Because of the cold weather, this event was held in the Hustead gym, explained Vicki Agle. The parking lot was full and there was a line to give donations for admission half an hour before opening. This event collected 218 pounds of groceries and an additional $214 in cash for Enon Relief.

“It was so sweet to see those little kids putting the canned goods on the table,” Agle said. “They were smiling and they knew they were doing something special to help others.”

As of Monday, the grand total of donations added up to nearly 3,000 pounds. This is a major step to helping Enon Relief prepare for Thanksgiving, Christmas and the cold months of winter.

There are two more opportunities for those in need to sign up for Christmas assistance from Enon Relief. Those interested need to go in person to Knob Prairie Church, 203 W. Main St. on Nov. 6 from 2 until 5:30 p.m. On Nov. 11, applications will be accepted at the Enon Relief Pantry, 105 Scott St.

Applicants must live in the Greenon Local School District and not be eligible for other county programs. Please bring photo identification, proof of residency, contact phone number and an alternate number. Custodial parents must show court documents. Full names, ages and sizes of children are also required.

Meanwhile sponsor sign up for Enon Community Christmas Assistance is also going on. Call 937-864-5555 or 937-864-2085 to register to adopt a family this holiday season.

When a community works together to face an issue, great things can happen. When the energy of our youth is added in, our community can do marvelous things.

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