Forget-Me-Not Baskets founder shares mission with Orrville Exchange Club

Sarah Ringle, founder and executive director of Forget-Me-Not Baskets, gave a history and purpose of the organization she founded in her Creston garage in 2007 to the Orrville Exchange Club on Sept. 18, when members met for a catered lunch at the Orrville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Community Room. She was introduced by Lisa Reusser, who arranged the program, and was welcomed by Shane Scarbrough, president.

Forget-Me-Not Baskets Inc. is a nonprofit that provides grief support, comfort and remembrance items for families who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, childbirth or soon after birth.

The organization began when a one-time donation to Wooster Community Hospital evolved from a simple act of kindness to fulfilling an unmet need. Since then Forget-Me-Not Baskets has assembled and delivered over 14,000 baskets inside and outside of Ohio and has shipped hundreds of items nationwide through its online bereavement gift shop.

From 2007-09 it donated 47 baskets, 263 baskets in 2010 and 14,000 to date. It has been in 99 locations and is presently active serving 65 Orrville and beyond locations.

Baskets are delivered to various hospitals and doctor offices. Funds are made available thanks to donations from individual fundraisers, organizations and foundations.

It is always in need of knitted, crocheted and quilted baby blankets. Sizes, colors and materials are important. Sizes 7-by-7, 12-by-12 and 16-by-16 inches are accepted. Soft baby colors — nothing bold, no primary colors — are needed. The two larger blanket sizes can be pink, blue or neutral.

Ringle said they host volunteers in their office on a weekly basis. Anyone who would like to volunteer can click their volunteer link on their website. Some of the in-office tasks may include assembling items that will be placed in the baskets, assisting with mailings, assembling boxes, putting together dad's bags, organizing inventory and more.

The organization's website is www.forgetmenotbaskets.com and its email is fmnbaskets@gmail.com.

In business Scarbrough said Exchange members assisted the VFW on Sept. 17 with its bingo. Reusser passed out dates for members to sign up to volunteer in assisting with Exchange's once-a-month bingo on Wednesdays.

Reusser also announced the annual Exchange Club Bingo Fundraiser will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the VFW in Orrville with Mrs. Yoder's Catering serving the catered meal. The cost remains the same at $60 to include a meal, 20 games of bingo with $1,600 in prize money and drinks included.

Reusser also said the September Lottery Fundraiser is going well, with six people already winning dollars.

Reusser asked members to continue their prayers for James Davis Jr. and Alan Auble.

A special presentation was given by Mollie Curie, general manager of OrrViews, who accepted a $2,000 donation from Exchange Club. Contributions from major contributors are down for this year's fundraiser. Exchange Club expressed its appreciation for OrrViews, Orrville's bimonthly publication since 2001.