Project Happy still seeks gifts

PERKINS TWP. — Those representing a nonprofit want to, once again, spread tons of holiday cheer so hundreds of area children can experience the happiest holiday season ever. While OHgo acts as one of Erie County's leading organizations in feeding underserved population segments, it also takes on other initiatives to improve the quality of life for less fortunate locals. This would include Project Happy. Now in its 11th year, each holiday season, nonprofit leaders ask locals to fill small packages with goodies — like toys, games, blankets, stuffed animals, candy, coloring books, toiletries and other similar stocking stuffer items — going to boys and girls. Volunteers then proceed to hand out these gifts to kids after community members donate them on their own or through coordinated drives, events and fundraisers. This year, the nonprofit's management team wants to supply shoeboxes for about 3,000 underprivileged children — an amount similar to what OHgo distributed in 2024. OHgo's leadership team reserved Dec. 23 as this year's delivery date. And, this week, they're making one final push for people to provide presents. Christine Boesch, the nonprofit's co-founder, expressed her deepest gratitude for this event gaining more steam each and every year. It's made possible, in large part, by those who donate beforehand and help out on the day of, she said. "No matter what happens in life, we can all be good to people," Boesch said. "We often overlook the importance of joy in our lives, and that it is meant to be shared with others," she added. "Project Happy is about meeting people where they are and reminding them that they are worthy of love." Where to drop off? People can drop off gifts at any of these locations by Thursday, Dec. 18. "Fill a shoebox or shoebox-sized tote with store-bought stocking stuffer items, little gifts, sealed treats and toiletries for a boy or girl in an age range of your choice," according to OHgo. "Choose a child's age you'd prefer to shop for." The age ranges break down like this: • There's a diaper drop, seeking diapers and other baby items, ranging from sizes 1-6. • Both boys and girls are broken up like this: — Between 3 and 5 years old — Between 6 and 9 years old — Between 10 and 12 years old "Wrap the filled box and lid separate, please. and attach a Project Happy info label, (which) can be found in an OHgo brochure or on the website," the statement read, directing people to ohgoreach.org/project-happy-christmas. Erie County locations • Faith Church, 1320 E. Strub Road, Sandusky • Mikey's, 414 W Perkins Ave., Sandusky • Mr. Smith's Coffee House, 140 Columbus Ave., Sandusky • Starbucks, 4912 Milan Road (U.S. 250), Sandusky • Huron Police Department, 417 Main St., Huron • Gathering Grounds Coffee House, 404 Main St., Huron • Families can also send gifts with kids when attending any school within the Edison, Huron or Perkins school districts Huron County locations • Buckeye Car Wash, 320 Milan Ave. (U.S. 250), Norwalk • Huron County Sheriff's Office, 255 Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk • Norwalk Eagles Club, 151 Cline St., Norwalk • Sheri's Coffee House, 27 Whittlesey Ave., Norwalk • West Side Store, 288 W. Main St., Norwalk • Xtreme Fitness and Sports Complex, 15 E. Water St., Norwalk • Fusion Impact Center, 20 S. Main St., Monroeville Gifts will be delivered door-to-door on Dec. 23, two days before Christmas, in select neighborhoods. People can visit facebook.com/ohgoreach for more information on the whereabouts of those locations. Furthermore, "There will also be a drive-thru available for families who do not live on a street that OHgo volunteers will be delivering to. OHgo will post the delivery details on Facebook," the nonprofit stated. "Let us take every opportunity this year to seek out ways to brighten the lives of those around us and to focus on the most real things: love, hope and joy," the statement read. Find time for food Additionally, to ensure those in need can enjoy a holiday meal, OHgo will offer a holiday fresh market. It's scheduled for 2-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16 within the parking lot of Strobel Field near Sandusky High School. Any person — no questions asked — can receive a ham, produce, pies, breads and more at no cost. It'll operate similarly to the recent Thanksgiving Fresh Market event, which occurred on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving. About 800 families received food through this drive. "If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share," Boesch said.