Coshocton groups launch drives to support families amid SNAP shutdown

The Coshocton community is pulling together to help those who have been affected by the government shutdown and SNAP benefit issues. Both the United Way and Blue Sky Voice and Opportunity are collecting items.

Blue Sky Voice and Opportunity is holding an infant formula and other baby items drive. Simalac, Parent’s Choice and Enfamil formula are the ones that are needed. They also are asking for diapers, baby food and baby wipes to help families. Eva Moon, with Blue Sky, said she has been in contact with WIC, and those are the most requested brands of formula.

“I used WIC long ago, and I can’t imagine how it would feel to moms with babies to have it taken away. We wanted to do this drive because children come first,” Moon said.

They also are holding a Thanksgiving dinner food drive. “Thanksgiving is for families to be together, and we hope to supply 125 families with everything they need to have a Thanksgiving dinner without stress,” Moon said.

Ray Hardesty, who also is with Blue Sky Voice and Opportunity, said, “We know it’s a real trying time for a lot of people right now. We can collaborate with a lot of people in the community and really help people.”

Three local churches — Grace UMC, Central Christian Church and NewPointe Church — are joining with Blue Sky to provide items for Thanksgiving.

Moon said, “If we have anything left, we will be taking it to other places that provide free meals for the community.”

All items for these two drives can be dropped off at the community center on Brown’s Lane during its regular hours. If you have questions or want to sign up for the Thanksgiving dinner, call Moon at 234-354-9089 or Hardesty at 740-502-8452.

The United Way of Coshocton also is collecting nonperishable food items for those in need in the community. All items can be dropped off at the United Way office in the Coshocton Collaborative building on Main Street.

Both organizations also will accept cash or gift cards to purchase needed items.