Article Submitted by Lee Sandlin
For many, the holiday season reminds us of wonderful memories shared with family, friends, food, and time spent together with loved ones. And while these are all wonderful things, for those in our community who are struggling with finances, illness, homelessness, and other struggles, the holiday season can be difficult.
We at Sugartree Ministries are partnering with Real Change Wilmington to highlight a list of local organizations that are helping people in our community get through this difficult season.
The following is a list of agencies and ministries that we would love you to consider volunteering your time, or donating your resources, to help these organizations as they serve “the least of these” in our community this holiday season.
 1. CLINTON COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Volunteer/Giving Needs Story with Santa (December 21, 2023) Contact Latasha at (937) 944-3895 Night to Shine (February 9, 2024) Contact Jenny at nighttoshineblanchester@gmail.com or at facebook.com/nighttoshineblanchester Special Olympics Contact Latasha at (937) 944-3895 To prepare and deliver food, or provide items or gifts to an adult with developmental disabilities, contact Marnie at (937) 944-3215 or mreed@nikecenter.org. |
 2. CLINTON COUNTY HOMELESS SHELTER Needs Toiletries, nonperishable foods, laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper. How to Give Drop off cash or check directly to the Clinton County Homeless Shelter at 36 Gallup St. Wilmington, Ohio 45177. Contact Call (937) 382-7058 |
 3. COMMUNITY ACTION Needs Head Start: Christmas gifts, or become a ‘Head Start Hero’ by sponsoring a child throughout the year. Call main office and ask for Dorothy Spurlock. Senior Citizens: Provide a stocking filled with goodies, or donate to purchase items for stocking. Contact main office and ask for Jane Newkirk. How to Give Donations can be mailed to: Clinton County Community Action Program 789 N. Nelson Ave. P.O. Box 32 Wilmington, OH 45177 Contact Call (937) 382-8365 |
 4. SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL / SAINT COLUMBKILLE CATHOLIC CHURCH Needs Donations for rent assistance, mortgage assistance, utilities assistance, food, medical expenses/prescriptions, school supplies, and coats. How to Give Online: stcolumbkille.org/weekly-envelopes Contact Call Pam Stevenson at (937) 218-0493 or visit www.stcolumbkille.org. |
 5. SUGARTREE MINISTRIES Needs Donations for rent or utilities in emergency situations, nonperishable food, transportation vouchers, clothing to match the seasons, hats, gloves, and blankets. How to Give Online: visit www.sugartreeministries.com and click “donate” to give through PayPal. Mail gift cards to: 180 E Main St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Contact Director Lee Sandlin at (937) 382-8359 or facebook.com/sugartreeministrycenter |
 6. WILMINGTON CHURCH OF GOD Needs Donations for monthly and emergency food assistance, weekly kids hot meal, clothing, emergency rent and utilities, back to school, and Christmas assistance. How to Give Venmo: @wilcogohio Online: wilcog.com/give Donations can be mail to: Wilmington Church of God 100 R Gordon Drive Wilmington, Ohio 45177 Contact Call Angel Boll (937) 382-1587 Website: www.wilcog.com |
 7. WILMINGTON HOPE HOUSE Needs Donations of paper towels, toilet paper, dryer sheets, white vinegar, blankets, new underwear in women’s sizes, new or gently used boots in women’s sizes, paper goods (plates, bowls, cups), plastic spoons, 16 oz. hot and to-go cups with lids, Ziploc bags in all sizes, and trash bags. How to Change Drop items off to 495 E Locust St. Wilmington, Ohio 45177 Online: hopehousewilmington.org Contact Director Katie Terrell at (937) 366-1123 or hopehouse45177@gmail.com |