A Lifeline for the Needy: North Ridgeville Community Care Fights Inflation and Storms

North Ridgeville Community Care, a nonprofit organization, has been a beacon of hope for residents since 1989, providing a wide range of essential services, including a food pantry, rental and utility assistance, clothing and household items, and an education fund. However, the organization is now facing a significant challenge as donations have declined, putting a strain on their ability to meet the growing needs of the community.

Combating the Effects of Inflation and Extreme Weather

A Dwindling Food Supply

The nonprofit's food pantry, once well-stocked, now stands nearly empty. Heather Kaesgen, the CEO of North Ridgeville Community Care, explains that the sharp drop in donations can be attributed to the rising costs of groceries due to inflation and the recent severe storms that have ravaged Northeast Ohio, causing widespread damage and food loss. "If at the end of the week if you wanted to donate some food to us, maybe your budget isn't allowing for that," Kaesgen said, highlighting the financial strain faced by many families in the area.

Stepping Up to Fill the Gap

To address the growing need, the North Ridgeville Lions Club has partnered with North Ridgeville Community Care, taking on an active role in supporting the organization. Tony Stillwell, the Lions Club's public relations chairperson and co-chair of the fall food drive, described the urgency of the situation, saying, "The need it now." The Lions Club has taken swift action, leveraging social media to spread the word and encourage the community to donate food and supplies.

A Community-Driven Effort

In addition to the Lions Club's initiatives, the North Ridgeville School District and St. Peter School have joined the effort. From September 3rd to September 6th, the "Fill The Shelves Food Drive" will see students competing to collect the most pounds of food, fostering a spirit of community service and understanding the importance of helping those in need. "Get the kids involved early with giving and helping, and understanding that not everybody has the same things available to them as everybody else," Stillwell said, emphasizing the valuable lessons these young people are learning.

A Heartfelt Appreciation

Kaesgen, the CEO of North Ridgeville Community Care, expressed her gratitude for the community's dedication and the Lions Club's tireless efforts. "We just love our city and we want to make sure we can help as much as we can," she said, underscoring the organization's unwavering commitment to supporting those in need.As the North Ridgeville community rallies together to replenish the shelves of the food pantry and provide essential services, the story of North Ridgeville Community Care serves as a testament to the power of community resilience and the ability to overcome adversity through collective action.