The “Assistance House of Ross County” has a Scrubs Drive Tomorrow
The city of Chillicothe just gave a first-time grant to a 111-year-old nonprofit for the working poor, and the “Assistance House of Ross County” continues their work with a clothing drive tomorrow.
Chillicothe Council unanimously voted to give $20K to the Assistance House on Monday. Council usually allows such grants to go all three readings to help publicize the recipient, so I followed up with a request for an interview.
Board president Margaret Daniels spoke with me at their office in the former Mount Logan School on East Main Street, and emphasized their new program, a scrubs drive.
Founded by local philanthropist and military hero Colonel Richard Enderlin in 1914, Daniels said what is now the Assistance House focuses on helping the “working poor” – primarily with shoes, clothing, and utility and rental assistance. They also give gas cards and hygiene bags.
She says they help people who are at 225% or less of the official poverty line. The non-governmental nonprofit has a short list of requirements for anyone who schedules an interview, or walks in during their open office hours from 9am to 1pm Monday and Thursday.
Daniels said their new director Cat Bowen has spearheaded the new “Scrub Drive.” Daniels said many jobs require medical “scrubs” clothing even on the first day of work, which may be difficult for someone working their way out of poverty in the health industry.
New or gently used scrubs can be donated through the end of the event on Saturday, 10am to 2pm at their office at 841 East Main Street, Room 142.
You can bring scrubs in, or drive through the east Mount Logan parking lot, across from the Douglas Avenue traffic light and next to the baseball diamonds. (But if you come in, Daniels says there will be cookies!) Sparkle Cleaners has volunteered to wash and dry the scrubs.
She says if this first drive is a success, they may have annual or semi-annual scrub drives in the future.
With the homeless issue prominent in local news, the Assistance House also works to prevent homelessness by emergency assistance in the face of possible eviction.
Hear Daniels in her own words in the video interview in the article on the Scioto Post. The Assistance House has a website and Facebook page.
Also see my story on their request to city council: “'The Assistance House' Asks Grant from City of Chillicothe" (10/15/2024).
Find more in the article on the Scioto Post, including a video interview.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.
1 of 4 Margaret Daniels, board president of "The Assistance House of Ross County."
2 of 4 3 of 4 4 of 4 Documents required by the Assistance House of Ross County.