MANSFIELD – Frigid temperatures have sparked a response from four local entities along North Mulberry Street in downtown Mansfield.
Working together Mind Body Align, the Mansfield Richland County Public Library, Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, and Richland Community Development Group will provide hats, scarves and gloves to those who face the elements each day without ample protection.
The partners have gathered dozens of outdoor clothing items and will hang them on the “Giving Trees” on the corner of Third Street and North Mulberry. Anyone in need of the items should “simply take them with our blessings.”
“Each day as I drive in, I see citizens without garments to protect against the elements. So many lack hats, gloves and scarves, which provide some level of protection from the bitter cold,” stated Anna-Marie Fernyak, Founder of Mind Body Align (MBA), “I want to do something to help.”
Chris May, Director of the Mansfield Richland County Public Library was approached about getting involved.
“Absolutely, was my response. I see patrons of the library walking in from the streets who should be better protected. Let’s try to keep everyone a bit warmer.”
Ohio Health’s’ website informs that “The most common sites for frostbite are the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, nose, and cheeks. The severity depends on several factors including temperature, length of exposure, wind-chill factor, dampness, and type of clothing worn.”
Other organizers of the Giving Tree include Jodie Perry, President of the Richland Area Chamber and Roberta Perry, Director of Community Development with RCDG.
While the partners have gathered new and gently used items for distribution on the trees, “more donated items will be greatly appreciated,” stated Fernyak.
Anyone who wants to drop off items can do so at the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce located at 55 North Mulberry during regular business hours. The tree will have items available on Friday afternoon, Jan. 5 and will continue as donations arrive. In addition, non-perishable food items will be accepted for Giving Box located within the parking area of MBA.
