Coshocton woman organizes food drive to support local students and families

Skylar Hasseman-Stewart has done community projects before and believes her purpose in life is to help others. When she learned the SNAP benefits so many local families depend on were on hold, she decided to take action.

“With all the craziness and negativity seen through social media right now, we need people to spread happiness and love in our daily lives in the areas we reside. With the SNAP benefits ending, it was heavy on my heart to do something to help those in need in the near future. It’s not much, but hopefully, it can bring some joy or relief to a couple community members that need it,” Hasseman-Stewart said.

She is working with staff at Coshocton City Schools to determine what families might need help. She is starting with the city schools because she determined through research that district would have the most need. If she gets enough donations, she will reach out to River View and Ridgewood for families to help.

Her goal is to provide families with food bags filled with kid-friendly snacks and easy meal items to help cover weekends and school breaks. She is looking for food such as mac and cheese cups, oatmeal packets, peanut butter, granola bars, and fruit cups, as well as money donations. Cash and gift cards for grocery stores or Walmart would be appreciated. She also is hoping to collect hygiene products for families.

“Even one item or a $5 card can go a long way," Hasseman-Stewart said. "Together, we can make sure our local kids are cared for and supported.”

The collection will continue until Friday, Nov. 21, and she is planning a packing party soon after that. Items and money can be dropped off at Hasseman Marketing at 432 Main St. or Ohio Family Counseling at 550 Main St.

She also will meet in person to collect donations. Anyone with questions can message Hasseman-Stewart on Facebook.

“If there is still a huge need, I’m definitely willing to extend the time frame and sort of re-up it, but it completely depends on donations and the amount and variety we have to give to people," she said. "So we need as much donated as possible.”