OTTAWA — This year’s Franklin County Leadership class saw a need for a toiletries pantry. They call it Fresh Start for Franklin County. Each leadership class does a community-service project and this year’s class noticed there were several sources for people to get food items, said class member Brandon Jones, Osage County county attorney and Ottawa school board member. However, it was clear that there wasn’t any place that offered other essential non-food items such as soap, toothpaste, toilet paper and other toiletries. The class started a collection and fund-raising drive one Saturday at Wal-Mart SuperCenter, said Brian Dennis, class member and Ottawa Main Street director. He said the response surprised and gratified him. The class had hoped to raise 500 pounds of toiletries but raised more during that Saturday. The class also raised about $400 of the $5,000 goal. The class plans other collection and fundraising events through the winter, he said. You can donate at one of those events, at about 15 area businesses or check with the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday, Dec. 29, 6:30 a.m.
