Ansonia church youth project benefits homeless

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ANSONIA — Last Saturday evening, 10 young people and three adults from Ansonia United Methodist Church were seen at all four corners of the main intersection in town, flashing signs indicating they were raising money for the homeless.

The event started at 6 p.m.

“We made up signs saying we were with the Ansonia United Methodist Church (AUMC) youth raising money for the homeless,” said Ashley Gilpin one of the adults involved. “We had 10 youth— Libby Price, Megan Troutwine, Kaya Price, Jacob Vietor, Brandon Heck, Caityln Burk, Allen Christman, Robert Christman, Courtney Stafford and Ross Dapore — and two other adults — Anna Price and Pastor Ron Hoskama.”

According to Gilpin, the group also walked down toward M&Ms at the corner of Main and High streets and collected more money.

“We raised approximately $400, and all the money we raised will be going to the Community Action Partnership Darke County Homeless Shelter,” she said. “If anyone else would like to help out, they can contact Janey Christman or Carol Littman at 548-8143. We also received hot cocoa four times throughout the night and many generous blankets which will be donated to the shelter.”

She said Rick Price, an Ansonia resident and husband and father of two of the young participants, even made a fire for the group to keep them warm.

“It was the coldest night of the season as well,” said Gilpin. “We stayed out until 3 a.m. They slept in front of the bank and in the small park [across the street], and went back to the church and had to sleep the rest of night on the hard floor.”

She said the group had discussed doing this project last year but didn’t, then a couple of months ago, it was brought up again.

“We wanted the kids to experience what it is like to be homeless so they would be thankful for the homeless and raise money for those in need,” Gilpin said.

She said it turned out more than she had anticipated.

“Especially with the kids’ responses the next day before church,” she said.

On behalf of the group, she expressed appreciation to all who made their project a success.

“Thank you to all that helped us out with donations and the thumbs up and the great jobs we were doing this for people in need,” she said. “We do have a great community. If anyone in grades 7-12 would be interested in coming to our youth group they’re welcome. It’s Sunday nights from 6-7:30 p.m. and we also serve meals.”

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By Linda Moody

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