Residents raise thousands to help 40 families affected by the plant’s sudden closure
by Kimberly Gasuras | Freelance Author
BUCYRUS — Several local residents have stepped up to the plate to ensure the closure of a local factory will not ruin Thanksgiving for 40 families.
When Diamond Wipes abruptly announced the closure of its Bucyrus plant a few weeks ago, the community was caught off guard.
“There are several couples who worked there and two brothers who live together and worked there together. That means those households lost all of their income at once,” said former Bucyrus Council member Lisa Alsept.
She said local resident Thomas Remmel posted on Facebook that he would purchase 10 turkeys to help affected families.
“That inspired me to help in any way I could also,” Alsept said.
She teamed up with Blair Halm to collect donations to purchase a turkey or ham and all the trimmings for Thanksgiving meals for the displaced Diamond Wipes workers.
“We have to help each other. It is the right thing to do,” said Alsept.
Halm set up a Venmo account to accept donations, with Alsept overseeing the effort.
“I have not done anything like this before, so I enlisted the help of Good Hope Lutheran Church in Bucyrus,” she said. “Now, people can send or drop off a check made out to Good Hope Lutheran Church with Diamond Wipes Mission in the memo area.”
So far, they’ve collected about $2,000 from individuals, businesses, and local organizations.
“We have received donations from the Hords, New Day Ministries, and Greg White secured a $500 donation from the American Legion. So many people are stepping up to help, and it is just amazing,” said Alsept.
Any funds remaining after the food is purchased will be used for gift cards to help families buy toiletries and other personal items.
A Broader Movement
The community’s generosity has inspired others to take action. Jennifer Allonas, known for helping secure donations to keep the Aumiller Park Pool open, is now spearheading a new initiative — the Bucyrus Grassroots Movement 2025.
“This holiday season, we are reminded of the strength and generosity of our city,” she wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday.
Allonas said the group’s goal is to connect, collaborate, and create real change in Bucyrus by bringing together residents, businesses, and organizations.
“This will bring ideas to the table, and then these organizations and businesses can see if they can help and what they have to offer. They can let us know how we can help too — so it’s a win-win,” she said.
She hopes to build on the success of the 2024 Aumiller Pool campaign as an example of what community unity can accomplish.
“The ‘Power of Sharing’ through social media and good old-fashioned word of mouth helps in magical ways,” said Allonas. “Unity is where it’s at! Together we can make the change we all see and want for our community.”
Residents are invited to join the Facebook group to share ideas and get involved.
❤️ How to Help
To donate to the Diamond Wipes Mission, send or drop off a check made out to Good Hope Lutheran Church, 129 W. Charles St., Bucyrus, OH 44820.
Be sure to include Diamond Wipes Mission in the memo area of your check.
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