LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The West Ohio Food Bank is asking the community for support after an anonymous donor pledged to match donations dollar for dollar, up to $10,000.
The West Ohio Food Bank and the Lima Community Foundation announced Wednesday that the matching gift campaign could generate as much as $20,000 to help meet the growing demand for food assistance across the region. According to the food bank, the need for its services continues to increase as more families rely on food pantries to make ends meet.
"The services that have been provided over the last year is up 6%. So that means the people are having to rely on the food bank and food pantries more often to supply their family with food on their tables to get through the month," said Tommy Harner, executive director of the West Ohio Food Bank.
Community members can contribute through the Lima Community Foundation's Stronger Together Fund. Donations can be made online or by mailing a check to the foundation.
"Anybody can participate. You just have to go online to our website, www.limacommunityfoundation.org, and go to the Stronger Together Fund tab. And then on that tab, there's a donate button and it will take you through an electronic process to donate. If you'd like to send in a check, you can send it to our office," said Robin Frazier, director of the Lima Community Foundation.
During Wednesday's announcement, Harner was also recognized for her decades of service. Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith presented Harner with a proclamation honoring her 20 years of dedication to the West Ohio Food Bank and the people it serves.
