’Tis the season… the giving season… the time of year when we collectively focus on generosity and supporting those who are in need. This season of giving is also about how a gift can impact families throughout the year.
Not only does the Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center (BNOC) depend on faithful volunteers, the organization also relies on financial gifts to operate and stock its Food Pantry. You can donate directly to the BNOC at www.bnoc.org/donate. It only takes a few minutes!
You can also help the BNOC throughout the months of November and December by supporting one or more of the following events:
CLEAR FORK EMPTY BOWLS | Sunday, November 12th at CFHS
Clear Fork Empty Bowls is a soup luncheon/fundraiser designed to involve the community in helping combat hunger in Bellville and Butler… good eats, great company, and supporting your neighbors… everyone is invited! The meal is simple and delicious (soup, bread and dessert), all donated by local restaurants and volunteers. Guests may also take home a beautifully hand-painted bowl as a reminder of the empty bowls that have yet to be filled throughout our community. Come join us Sunday, November 12, 2023 from 11:30am – 1:30pm @ Clear Fork High School Cafeteria. Donations for the meal are accepted at the door; $15+ may choose a one-of-a-kind bowl to take home.
RICHLAND GIVES VIA RICHLAND COUNTY FOUNDATION | November 13-28, 2023
What if we all gave on the same day? Richland Gives is an online giving event that begins on November 13th and will culminate on November 28, 2023. Managed by Richland County Foundation, Richland Gives is designed to encourage everyone to contribute to local nonprofits they care about through a single giving platform. The Richland County Foundation hosts the event to build capacity, grow philanthropy, and make the community stronger. Donate here.
SIMPLY GIVE AT MEIJER | Now ‘til December 30th - Double Day is December 16, 2023
The BNOC and Meijer are partnering to help feed hungry Clear Fork Valley residents through the Meijer Simply Give program. The campaign at Ontario’s Meijer store runs through December 30, 2023. Customers may purchase a $10 Simply Give donation card upon checkout. Once purchased, the donation is converted into a Meijer Food-Only Gift Card and donated directly to the BNOC to help provide more food for the pantry and enable the BNOC to purchase food items that are not available through the Cleveland Food Bank. December 16th is Double Day, when all donations will be matched by Meijer. Please consider giving that day! If you are unable to go to the Meijer store, you can donate money at the BNOC in Bellville, 84 Main Street, and those funds will be taken to Meijer on your behalf.
Do you want to make a difference this season of giving? Your support and gift to the BNOC will impact the lives of hundreds of your neighbors in need… and they will give many thanks in return!
The Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center (BNOC) is an all-volunteer organization that strives to provide those in need with some of life’s most essential items, including food and clothing. The BNOC operates the Food Pantry that supports residents of the Clear Fork Valley, assisting approximately 150 households (nearly 400 individuals) each month. This number fluctuates and is currently trending higher. Additional food insecurity services include holiday food baskets, a free produce distribution every month from April-October, regularly delivering food to low-income elderly neighbors, and supplying weekly bags of kid-friendly food to Clear Fork students in need throughout the school year. The BNOC also maintains the Clothesline, affordably re-selling new or gently used clothing ($5 per bag!), which then helps purchase items for the BNOC Food Pantry.