Local charity seeks truck to help Ohio kids

Date: 9/20/2010

Sept. 20, 2010

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

SPRINGFIELD -- All that is standing between children in two poverty-stricken towns in Ohio receiving blankets and new clothing donated by local companies is a truck to get them there.

Irene Blanchard, the director of Save Our Kids Outreach, is hoping an area person or business will donate the truck and the fuel to transport 700 blankets and children's clothing to Coolville and Lottridge, Oh.

Blanchard watched a report on the two communities on the television program "Dateline" and contacted Lisa Roberts who runs a food pantry there. Roberts told her that thanks to the response to the "Dateline" story, she has received monetary donation, but is in need of warm blankets, new children's socks, underwear, toiletries and toys.

After speaking with Roberts, Blanchard contacted Berkshire Blanket in Ware and the company donated 700 blankets and 300 blanket and stuffed bear sets. The sets of blankets and bears will be distributed locally through Blanchard's organization to children and also to two area nursing homes.

Wilton's Children Store of Ware also donated $700 worth of children's socks and underwear for the children in Ohio.

Blanchard already has a professional driver willing to donate her time, Ware resident Sheila Shea, but Shea's rig is too large for the blankets.

Blanchard estimates she will have to raise $1,500 to pay for a truck rental and other trip expenses. She hopes to be able to deliver the blankets in October before the temperatures fall too much.

Any contribution is tax deductible. For more information contact Blanchard at 781-5437.