Lake Township FISH honors volunteers at annual dinner

On April 22, Lake Township FISH held its 2026 Volunteer Dinner. Kelsey Wood, director, and Jesica Mirano, administrative assistant, hosted the event to honor and celebrate dedicated volunteers in recognition of Volunteer Appreciation Week.

“Not everyone could be here, but just know there are some amazing people out here who give so much of their time, energy and smiles every week,” Wood said. “From packing food and stocking shelves, to stacking trays of bread and driving vehicles around town gathering, buying and delivering food, there is no doubt they are the heart of this organization, and we could not help the hundreds that we do without them. Thank you so much for all that you do.”

The event was held at the Compassion Center, 1012 Sunnyside St. SW, Hartville. It was a night of food and fellowship as organizers gave thanks for the many blessings at FISH.

Dinner was catered by Cirelli Deli, with salads and multiple pasta dishes available. After dinner, Wood highlighted what was accomplished last year. FISH served 285 families and 1,600 individuals through its food pantry, provided $23,098 in housing assistance and $10,307 in utility assistance to Lake Township residents.

The AGAPE Bread Ministry served 5,554 families and distributed bread products to 122 groups, totaling 34,920 trays of bread. Thanksgiving bags were distributed to 199 families serving 601 people, and Lake Community Christmas helped 83 families and 225 children receive books, toys and clothing.

The efforts were supported by 37 churches, 44 local businesses and five local schools. A total of 4,232 volunteer hours were logged during the past year.

After dinner, bingo was played, and all participants received a T-shirt and other prizes. The shirts featured the FISH logo with the inscription “Nourishing Neighbors since 1972” on the front and “Hands that serve, Hearts that care” on the back.

Organizers also reminded residents of the upcoming Stamp Out Hunger food drive May 9, when letter carriers will collect nonperishable food donations.

FISH also highlighted sponsors for its upcoming golf outing May 15 at Sable Creek Golf Course. Main sponsor is Cleveland Electric Laboratories; putting contest sponsor is Food Pantry Volunteers; corporate sponsors include J Domer Properties, Serra Auto Park, Fully Loaded Chew, American Countertops and HRM Enterprises; mission sponsors include Beachy Custom Builders, ForeverLawn, Hartville Sports Cards, Maconachy Stradley and Bradley and Alyssa Beachy; and hole sponsor is Consumers National Bank.