Gleaners Volunteer in the Community and Visit Fire Relief Foundation in February

On Sunday February 7 Gleaner members helped judge the North Baltimore Cub Scout’s Pinewood Derby. Those helping were:Russ, Jamie, Elijah & Abram Cunningham as well as Courtney Van Horn and Becky and Rod Lucas   The members had a hard time determining the winners but were honored to be involved.

On Saturday February 13 the NB Gleaner Arbor met at the Fire Relief Foundation (FRF) located at 1700 Fostoria Ave, Suite 100, in Findlay, Ohio.

Emily Stevers shared that the FRF was started in her detached garage after she experienced a fire on June 10, 2013 that heavily damaged their house. The blaze started in the kitchen and the damage was estimated at $180,000. They decided it was best to tear it down and start over even though they took a loss, as so much wasn’t covered under their insurance policy.

The foundation has a nine-member board and are a non-profit 501(c)(3).  It was designed to assist victims of home fires for up to a year of their fire. Families can come back as many times as they need in that first year.  Once they pick out what they need it can be loaded into a truck and delivered to their residence. The foundation provides clothing, furniture, household items, including health care items, and toys free of charge. Education and emotional support is also provided as well as assistance with insurance forms, inventory of lost items and filing for help with other organizations.

Once items are no longer needed they can be recycled back to the organization. Donations are always needed.  She said, “think about everything you would need if you lost your house in a fire, the magnitude is overwhelming.” Although the foundation receives aid by some organizations the need is still there both for financial donations, to pay insurance costs and utility bills, and donations of every kind of item you find in your home. Emily receives calls every week from across the country.  A wish list can be found on the agencies Facebook page.

Donation drop off is by appointment only by calling 419-346-2776.  Monetary donations can be mailed to Fire Relief Foundation, 615 Bigelow Ave, Findlay, Oh 45840.  All donations are tax deductible.