MANSFIELD — Doc Stumbo presents a dichotomy as he prepares for the 23rd annual Make A Difference Day Food Drive in Richland County.
The retired auto worker, UAW leader and longtime community activist said Tuesday the need for the community food assistance has never been greater.
Yet the 88-year-old Stumbo remains unceasingly optimistic.
“Every day when you get up, you need to say, ‘This is going to be a great day.’ You can’t go around in life being unhappy,” said the man affectionately known as the “Mayor of Richland County.”
“Every time I think I got a problem, I just look around at somebody else. I don’t have a problem, especially living now here at the Waterford (a senior assisted living facility). They are so good to me here,” Stumbo said.
“You have got to look at things positively. You’re better off than others who are hurting.”
Stumbo credits late actor Paul Newman and his philanthropic food company, Newman’s Own, for launching the idea every community should plan a day to benefit others.
“I liked that idea. I met with the local media … took them to lunch. We all liked the idea of doing a food drive. All of you have been backing it ever since. I am hoping I can make it to the 25th year,” he said.
Despite his rosy outlook on life, Stumbo said he knows people are in need.
“I’s really bad to see people hungry. They can’t pay their bills … their electric bills and stuff … and buy food. The cost of healthcare is really bad on them. People are just trying to make it and we want to help,” he said.
Stumbo said last year’s event raised $12,000 in food and financial donations. Local labor unions, organizations and community leaders will again assist, he said, adding the annual goal is to top the year prior.
Several locations and organizations have been collecting food items for a few weeks, which will become part of the Make A Difference Day effort. Stumbo said he had already accepted two checks totaling $1,500 from the Order of Owls Nest #1152 in Mansfield and American Homestead Exteriors.
“We are off to a great start,” he said.
The goal again this year is to restock food pantries at Catholic Charities and Wayfinders, the local homeless shelter.
This year’s event will take place from 7 to 10 a.m. in front of DLX on the square in downtown Mansfield at 28 N. Main St.
Stumbo and his army of volunteers, including current Miss Ohio Lexie Miller, will be on hand to accept the donations.
Drop-offs will also happen from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Catholic Charities, 523 Park Ave. East, and Wayfinders, 124 E. Third St.
Donations can include non-perishable food items and paper products. Also accepted are cash donations and checks made out to Catholic Charities/Hope Pantry or Wayfinders. Donations through credit/debit cards are also accepted.
“Miss Ohio will be going from car to car and we can take it out of your vehicle when you are dropping off,” Stumbo said.
“You don’t have to get out of your car. But if you want to … then you get out and stop and talk to us.”
