LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Families throughout Allen County had the opportunity to pick up free clothing, household items and fresh vegetables during the Allen County Children Services annual community giveaway.
The event, which is held each year, allows Allen County Children Services clients to shop first from 9 a.m. to noon before opening to the general public. Every item available at the giveaway is donated, giving families access to necessities at no cost. Officials said opening the event to the public allows the agency to assist people who may not have an active case with Children Services but are still facing financial challenges.
"Every year we always open up to the public for the second-half and that gives people who they don't have a case with us but they may not have the means to buy some of the stuff or this helps them just like it helps our clients afford other stuff such as an electric bill that may be increasing and just anything else offset some other bills," said Greg Sowinski, communications director for Allen County Children Services.
The Lima Police Department provided free hot dogs during the event, while the Oakwood Correctional Facility donated more than 350 pounds of fresh vegetables from its inmate garden for families to take home.
