Dear Stow Residents,
It is hard to believe we are closing in on another year! As we celebrate the upcoming holiday season, many of you have inquired about how you can help those less fortunate. We have a wealth of opportunities for you to make a difference and appreciate all your support.
NO ONE SHOULD SLEEP OUT IN THE COLD is a collection drive with local communities and goes through December 16, 2022 here at Stow City Hall. Again this year, I as the mayor of Stow, along with the mayors of Munroe Falls, Silver Lake and Cuyahoga Falls are joining forces with the Peter Maurin Center and The Knights of Columbus to spearhead a community collection drive in their respective communities to collect donated cold weather items for the homeless. The Peter Maurin Center is a nonprofit organization that offers hot meals, shelter, clothes and comfort to unsheltered and marginalized people.
The drive is specifically intended to help the unsheltered population — people who live in spaces not intended for habitation rather than going into local shelters — which increased in the last two years due to COVID. Two years ago, Mike Rauh, Peter Maurin Center volunteer, and I spearheaded this inter-community drive. All four communities were overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity from their communities. What I heard from residents is that they knew this was a problem, but they just didn't know how to help.
Each of the four communities have donation bins in their city halls so that residents may drop off items during business hours. They will also hold two weekend drive-thru events to collect donated items at the curb where The Knights of Columbus will be on hand to help. The drive-thru dates are December 3, 10am-2pm at Stow & Silver Lake and December 10, 10AM – 2PM at Munroe Falls & Cuyahoga Falls City Halls. Only items from the specified list will be accepted. Visit the list here.
PAJAMAS (AND BOOKS) FOR KIDS - through Open M of Akron. This collection has already come to a close, with a great response from our community. Pajamas for Kids have been able to provide over 1,000 new pairs of pajamas for children in our surrounding areas at the holiday time and are excited to add the addition of a new book to accompany the new pair of pajamas this year!
If you still wish to donate to this worthy cause, There are still options available to give a gift online:
•OPEN M monetary donation for “Pajamas for Kids”: http://pajamas.givesmart.com
•Target online registry: https://www.target.com/giftregistry/gift/pajamasforkids2022
Questions may be directed to Kelly LaForge, Pajamas for Kids at 216-337-9752 or edkel2856@hotmail.com
We know the holidays and the end of the year can be very difficult on people emotionally. We want you to know that you are not alone. You matter! You are important, you are appreciated, and you are loved. The City of Stow has compiled a list of local and national resources on our website. Please know that help is available. Reach out to one of our resources if you are struggling, know someone else who is or if you just need someone to talk to at the new 3-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number 9-8-8.
Glow with Stow is this Saturday, December 3 at Stow City Hall from 5:00pm to 9:00pm with the flip-of-the-switch tree lighting at 6:00pm. I want to thank all of the Stow City workers who make this happen, the students who entertain us and volunteer throughout the night. We look forward to seeing all the residents and their families out for the festive night. Remember the City Center will have lights and displays on all season through January 2, 2023. Please walk through and enjoy the atmosphere.
Don’t forget Santa’s Mailbox! Be sure to drop your letter into Santa’s Mailbox outside at Stow City Hall and include a self-addressed stamped envelope so that Santa can get back to you! The sooner the better, as we all know how long it takes for those letters to reach the North Pole and then come back you.
In closing, I would like to say thank you, Stow. Thank you for your support, involvement, and concern for the community. We are stronger for it. Have a wonderful and safe holiday!
Sincerely,
John Pribonic
Mayor, City of Stow