ONTARIO, Ohio — Local nonprofits had the chance to share all about their organization during Nonprofit Community Day at the Richland Mall on Saturday.
This event, which is held once or twice yearly, is meant to help area nonprofits gain more exposure, said Katie Hosler, events and marketing coordinator at the Richland Mall. The nonprofits are not charged to participate, she noted.
“It’s a good way for [the organizations] to reach out to the community,” she said, adding that it can also help people learn about different volunteer opportunities.
That’s what prompted Angie Derr to attend. She said she wanted to go to the event in the hope of finding volunteer opportunities in which both she and her daughter could participate.
Hosler said the three-hour event involved 12 local nonprofits.
Among those was an organization named “Reaching Out.”
“We help local families in need,” said Ruthy Barretta, vice president.
As stated in the group’s brochure, “Reaching Out started in the trunk of a car in local parking lots, meeting and handing out to those in need of everyday, basic items, such as clothing, diapers, linens, hygiene products, anything donated to help ease the burden and stress of daily needs.”
“We have since grown to a nonprofit and now have a storage unit we open where those in need may come and see if we have anything that would help make everyday life a little easier.”
They help mostly low-income families; however, Barretta noted, “We don’t turn anyone away, though.”
Barretta said she hoped to raise awareness about Reaching Out’s services, as well as promote their bake sale, which is slated for Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Eddie’s Sunoco, located at 947 Ashland Road.
Terri Kangas, community manager for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, also participated in the event, handing out information about the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer non-competitive 5K on Oct. 17 at the Richland Carrousel Park.
She said they anticipate 1,200 people.
Proceeds of the 5K go toward breast cancer research.
