Year winds down at People to People Ministries
People to People Ministries is winding up another year of offering a variety of support to those in need. Its end-of-year events included the Thanksgiving Dinner Box Program and Christmas Toy Project. The nonprofit has been serving Wayne County since 1978.
This year P2P was able to serve over 370 students with its Back to School Project. Nearly 4,000 families and individuals applied to People to People for assistance during the fiscal year. This assistance ranges anywhere from food and clothing to financial assistance for housing, utilities and other needs.
The year also brought a lobby update with activities for children who are waiting with their family.
“2024 has been the year we have been able to complete The Children’s Learning Center stations and watch children utilize the tablets,” said Joe Szeker, director of operations. “I want to thank the Wayne County Community Foundation for the grant that allowed us to provide these resources for the families we serve.”
The nonprofit relies on community donations to provide for the needs of those who seek assistance.
“People have donated clothing, household goods, toys, food, and, of course, the generous financial support from individuals, churches, businesses, foundations and service clubs,” Szeker said. “This allows us to continue to provide for the needs of thousands of families and individuals in our communities.”
Theresa Markley, the pantry coordinator, thanked numerous organizations for their help throughout the year. These include A Whole Community, Meijer and the Akron Canton Food Bank. Joy Ride Transport surprised People to People with a supply of pork and beef for the pantry, and the Women’s Service Club filled the back of a mini van with bags of food, hygiene products and men’s shoes.
Even with all the donations, Markley said it is a challenge to keep shelves stocked. Current pantry needs include ready-to-serve soups, 16-ounce peanut butter, spaghetti sauce and noodles, rice sides and pastas, canned fruit, canned tuna and chicken, party crackers and saltines, and pork and beans. Needed hygiene items include men and women’s deodorant, paper towels, toilet paper and razors.
Kate Sigler, the financial and clothing manager, also expressed thanks for all the donations and volunteers. Financial donations are always needed. Current clothing needs include children’s long- and short-sleeve tops in sizes 14, 16 and 18 and boys regular and athletic pants in sizes 4-18.
Find People to People Ministries online at www.ptpm.net. There is a volunteer form at www.ptpm.net/becomeavolunteer or contact the agency directly. Donations may be dropped off during business hours Monday through Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. or mail a check to 454 E. Bowman St., Wooster, OH 44691.