People to People preparing for upcoming projects

People to People Ministries was created to offer assistance to the people of Wayne County, and the nonprofit has continued to provide services during the past few years while working with a scarcity of volunteers and donations.

With fall here and winter approaching, the agency asks for donations and volunteer support to help them provide for community members’ needs through the holidays and colder months.

“People to People Ministries is heading toward 45 years of serving people in need, and there is a reason we have been here so long,” said Joe Szeker, the director of operations. “It started with caring people in our community and continues only with and through more caring people each year.

“I ask for continued support in these trying times as we continue to find ways to serve people better and to wisely use the resources (people) provide us.”

On the heels of another Back to School project, People to People is gearing up for two fall projects. The Back to School program helped 465 school-age children get ready to head back to class. Kids were provided with everything from backpacks to pencils and shoes. To help ensure that come summer 2023 there are enough resources for all children in need, clothing is collected all throughout the year.

The most needed items are boys jeans and athletic pants, men’s jeans and athletic pants (especially waist sizes 28-32), larger size clothing (2X and above) suitable for teen boys and girls, and hoodies in all sizes.

Currently on People to People’s agenda is its annual Thanksgiving box pickup and holiday toy project. Preregistration is now open for both for anyone in need of assistance at the holidays. Preregistration may be done online through the agency website or Facebook page.

Thanksgiving box pickup is by appointment only Nov. 14-22. Shopping for holiday presents for children birth through high school will be Dec. 5 and 6. After preregistering, participants will need to obtain an appointment by registering at First Presbyterian Church from Oct. 31 through Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. The church is located next door to People to People at 621 College Ave. in Wooster.

The following documents are needed to register, unless the participant completed the Back to School project and has no additions or changes: photo ID, Social Security card for every member of the household, proof of income for all sources of household income for the past 30 days and proof of Wayne County residency. Questions can be directed to 330-317-7515 or 330-262-1662.

Donations for the toy project are collected this month in order to have enough time to get everything sorted and prepared for the early December shopping dates. Extensive shopping wish lists may be found on Facebook. Cash donations of any amount are always welcome. A donation of $35 covers a shopping gift card.

Check with the agency regarding open hours for dropping off donations. Community members are reminded not to leave items outside the agency at any time. Due to regulations, anything left outside cannot be used and has to be taken to the dumpster.

Theresa Markley, the pantry coordinator, said the nonprofit is struggling with finding volunteers who can help with building some new lobby equipment and everyday lifting.

“I appreciate all the effort that our volunteers put in every day — continuing to show up with a smile on their face and a willingness to help our clients,” Markley said.

With increased need, the food pantry has been going through a lot of donations and is always in need of more including spaghetti sauce, saltine crackers, ready-to-serve soup, cereal, canned fruit and jelly (no grape). Personal hygiene items are always in need including disposable razors, deodorant for all genders and hair conditioner.

Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis for a variety of tasks and for both of the holiday projects. To volunteer either as a regular helper or for a special project, fill out the form online at https://ptpm.net or call the office.

Among other duties, volunteers will be needed to load and unload toys on Dec. 4.

“We depend so much on our volunteers and can always use a few more,” Szeker said.

People to People Ministries is located at 454 E. Bowman St. in Wooster.