ASHLAND — As each season changes, we realize it … the world is a very different place than it was six months ago.
If we are honest with ourselves, we all, in small ways miss and even mourn the way things “used to be.” This is very real for the seniors in Ashland County.
Many live alone and rely on events in the community to make their needed meaningful connections with friends, families, neighbors, and in some cases … just the world outside their own homes. The COVID pandemic has put a screeching halt to those connections … and many times to the detriment of those who need them the most.
The question then becomes … what can I do to make a difference?
Answer: Get involved in our community.
There are many seniors who cannot or should not leave their homes at this time and become lonely and isolated…yet still need ways to be involved in their communities…hence the creation of the Staying Safe Boxes program.
Catholic Charities, in cooperation with the Mental Health and Recovery Board and a myriad of local organizations has been working toward meaningful ways to reach out to some of the most isolated in Ashland County…by encouraging them to stay home, while receiving some things they need and some things that will make them smile.
The Staying Safe Boxes are literally just that … cardboard boxes that have been loaded with supplies from hand sanitizer to absentee ballots to needed masks for an initial 100 Ashland County seniors to use while they are at home. The boxes also include things like healthy snacks, adult coloring books and colored pencils, knitted blankets, and even small pumpkins to help make the fall a little more special for those at home.
All of the items included in the first round of Staying Safe Boxes were donated by over 25 local agencies, who want to make a difference for isolated seniors in Ashland County.
“The outpouring from the community has been amazing and they are interested in continuing to be involved … some asking when the next box will go out,” said Denise Conrad, program coordinator for Catholic Charities of Ashland County. “We have even received calls from organizations saying they wanted to participate because they ‘heard about it.’
“We have had offers from local organizations to help put the boxes together, and other offers, including the Sheriff’s Office, to help deliver the boxes.”
The interest in the Staying Safe Boxes has been so great, that a second round of boxes is already in the works. So, what can you do to make a difference?
Get involved!
From securing donations … to providing us with the name of an isolated senior … to writing a general note of support and encouragement that could be included in the box … to packing boxes … or making deliveries … there is a need for help.
If you want to be a part of not just talking about change, but actually making a change, then call Denise Conrad at Catholic Charities 419-289-1903 or Diane Switzer at the Mental Health and Recovery Board 419-281-3139 to find out how you can be a part of a kinder, brighter Ashland County.
