By Kim Gasuras | FreeWire — Your News, Your Voice

BUCYRUS—For years, Wes Dennison has wanted to host an event that gives back to the community. This Christmas season, he’s finally in the position to make it happen.
Dennison, owner of Twisted Intentions Motorsports on River Road, is organizing a community-wide holiday gift drive to help local families who are struggling this year.
“People can donate all types of gifts in addition to toys for children of all ages, including clothes, shoes, whatever they want to,” Dennison said.
Donations should be new or gently used, and not gift-wrapped, so families can choose the items that best fit their needs.
“We don’t want the items to be gift wrapped so people can see what they are and choose the items they want,” he added.
Where to Donate
Anyone wishing to donate items for children or adults can drop them off at Zeus Tire, 109 W. Mansfield St., during regular business hours:
- Monday–Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to noon
Donations will be accepted now through December 12.
Where Families Can Pick Up Gifts
Any local resident in need of assistance this holiday season can pick out items—no application required—on December 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:
Marion Road Church of Christ
2088 Marion Road (Ohio 4, south of Bucyrus)
“We know things are very tight this year for local families and we just want to help in some way,” Dennison said.
Anyone with questions can reach Dennison at 419-835-6411.
Other Ways to Help This Christmas Season
Local Toy Drives & Holiday Giving
• Bucyrus Fire Department Annual Toy Drive
Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Drop off new, unwrapped toys or cash at the Bucyrus Fire Department to help children across Crawford County.
• Donate to the Humane Society at Kroger
Drop off goods for the Humane Society Serving Crawford County and be entered for a chance to win a $50 Kroger gift card.
• Be a Senior’s Secret Santa
Council on Aging, 200 S. Spring St., Bucyrus
Take a tag from the Secret Santa Tree and return the requested gift by Dec. 8. Tags available Nov. 10–Dec. 5.
• #GivingTuesday — Bucyrus Backpack Program
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Support weekend meals for more than 500 local students.
Visit: givingtuesday.mightycause.com and search Bucyrus Backpack Program.
Food & Clothing Assistance
• Father’s Heart Healing Center
Take-out meals: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 5–5:30 p.m.
320 Woodlawn Ave., Bucyrus
• New Hope Community Church
Food pantry: 8:30–11:30 a.m. on Nov. 19 and Dec. 17
Free community meal: Noon–2 p.m. on Nov. 29, Dec. 27, Jan. 31, and Feb. 28
235 Woodlawn Ave., Bucyrus
• Bucyrus United Methodist Church — Outreach Center
Clothing & food pantry every Friday, 10–11:15 a.m.
216 Hopley Ave., Bucyrus
• Salvation Army
Food & clothing pantry
717 Rogers St., Bucyrus
Call 419-562-0071 for assistance.