LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – The Lima Exchange Club is continuing its mission to support and protect children in Lima and Allen County.
With the help of the Lima Eagles 370 Charity Foundation, the club presented 11 nonprofit organizations with a combined $9,000 for their work with children. The donations ranged from $500 to $2,000 to help the groups further their missions.
Heart and Sole received the largest sum, in conjunction with the Lima Eagles, to provide shoes to children in need.
“Think, to date, we're somewhere around 3,000 pairs of shoes donated to the local community,” said Kandi Graham, co-founder of Heart and Sole. “So we've done a lot, and we continue to keep trying to do all we can to provide shoes for the kids in need in our community.”
The club’s focus remains on preventing child abuse and supporting local organizations working toward that goal.
“Our main focus is to prevent child abuse here in the community, and the organizations that are here with us today help us in those efforts, and we're happy to be able to give back to those,” said Stephanie Moos, president of the Lima Exchange Club.
The 11 organizations receiving funds work with area youth in a variety of ways, from providing physical activities to health programs to educational opportunities that encourage positive life choices.
The donations included:
Heart and Sole – $2,000: A nonprofit effort by Exchange Club members Kim and Katina Graham to provide new shoes for needy grade-school children in Lima.
Allen County D.A.R.E. Program – $1,000: Educates grade-school children about the dangers of drugs and substance abuse.
Lima Youth Roller Hockey – $1,000: Supports a longstanding community youth recreation program.
Samaritan House of Lima – $1,000: Provides shelter and support for women with children in need.
Hannah Bruns Scholarship – $1,000: A Prevention of Child Abuse scholarship awarded to Bruns, a University of Findlay graduate working with Allen County Children Services.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – $500: Donation given in honor of longtime Exchange Club member Bill Gossard and Drew George, the grandson of member Mike Mullen.
Crime Victim Services – $500: Supports the Child Advocacy Center.
National Exchange Club Foundation – $500: Helps fund nationwide child abuse prevention centers.
Rally Point Youth Center – $500: Offers summer camp opportunities for children who otherwise could not afford them.
Equestrian Therapy Program – $500: Supports the Lima Equestrian Therapy organization’s work with children.
Northwest Ohio Literacy Council – $500: Assists adults in improving their reading skills to become more effective parents.
All of the organizations are making an impact in the lives of children throughout Lima and Allen County.
