Overdose Awareness Day a big success at Schellin Park

Two local women, both of whom experienced personal loss within a short time of each other, came together recently to hold Overdose Awareness Day at Schellin Park in Wooster.

Last year Holly Woodruff, a married mother of four small children, lost her brother to an overdose. Two weeks later, Debi Takak, a 56-year-old with three grown children and grandchildren, lost her 24-year-old daughter in the same way.

“We were two very different women from two very different worlds. In our tremendous grief, each of us decided to try and make a difference,” Takak said. “Our two worlds collided, and our story began.”

Woodruff began a group called Dale’s Outreach while Takak, along with her Great Dane Cade, started Carly’s Way. Both groups began spreading the word of overdose awareness, providing resources and help including to the growing number of homeless in Wooster.

Woodruff planned the day at Schellin Park and invited Carly’s Way. Overdose Awareness Day offered clothing, tents and hygiene products for the homeless and less fortunate while the organization, Safety, Outreach, Autonomy, Respect, furnished Narcan, fentanyl testing strips and Xylazine testing strips.

There also were children’s games, bounce houses, face painting, food and free haircuts.

Cade the Great Dane was a hit. “He brings people in, and then I do the talking,” Takak said.

“Our dedication to our cause doesn’t stop,” she said of her relationship with Woodruff. “Together, we are an unstoppable force.”

More information on Dale’s Outreach and Carly’s Way can be found on Facebook.