If you’re struggling to make ends meet during the winter, even simple
things are a blessing.Winter can be toughest on those in need, so Operation Bread Basket focuses not
just on providing a holiday meal and gifts, but other items needed most to make it further into the
season.The collaboration between Perrysburg Township and the 11 churches of Perrysburg Christians
United, in its 35th year, is now collecting nonperishable food items, new and used toys, winter items
like coats, hats and gloves, and household goods. Once the event gets closer, perishable food such as
ham, milk and eggs will also be accepted."They don’t just get enough for a meal, they’re getting
the staples," said Annie Herman-Alrabaya, an organizer of Operation Bread Basket.From 9 a.m. until
noon on Dec. 21, members of as many as 100 families will select some new toys for Christmas and receive
packages of everything from canned goods to basics like flour, sugar and peanut butter and jelly.
They’ll then be allowed to go through used items and select the coats, clothes and used toys they need,
and will even be able to use wrapping supplies on-hand for the full festive effect.Donations are
accepted at each of the 11 PCU churches and a handful of other locations around the community. When the
day comes later this month, those contributions will be gratefully received by those who need them.
Until then, and even on the day of the operation, space can be hard to come by."Sometimes their
cars are so full they can’t see to get out of the parking lot," Herman-Alrabaya joked of the haul
many families receive.Until Dec. 21, those items are being amassed in a fire bay in the township
building across from the new police and fire departments.If more than 100 families sign up for
assistance, Herman-Alrabaya said they’ll be referred to other area programs with available
resources."Nobody has to be turned away," she said.If the other side comes true and the
collection of goods grows past what can be spread during Operation Bread Basket, whatever isn’t used
will be given to other area agencies spreading good during the holidays such as The Salvation Army and
Toys for Tots."People sit and go through everything we get, and if it doesn’t go we push it
forward," Herman-Alrabaya said. "We spread it out."Donations may be dropped off at the
following locations:• Perrysburg Township offices, at the marked door facing Lime City Road• Walgreens,
10003 U.S. 20• Ralphie’s Sports Eatery, 27393 Holiday Lane• Frisch’s Big Boy, 10705 U.S. 20• Nutrition
Decision, 28400 Cedar Park Blvd.• O-Deer Diner, 416 Louisiana Ave.• Genesis Health Care, 28546
Starbright Blvd.• Perrysburg Messenger Journal, 117 E. Second St.• Huntington Bank, 28538 Oregon Road•
Suburban Animal Hospital, 5100 Brockway Drive