Job & Family Services Seeks Donations for Warming Walls

Ashtabula County Job & Family Services is seeking donations from individuals, businesses, and community organizations for their Warming Walls, which offers winter apparel to those in need. Hats, gloves, scarves, socks, and other warm clothing items will be hung on five walls throughout the County from late November through March for anyone in need to take. The Warming Walls will be on structures located at the Memorial Park fence in Jefferson, the Ashtabula First Presbyterian Church fence (by the Ashtabula Public Library), Conneaut Liberty Street Park fence, the Andover Sparkle Mart fence and the outside wall of the Country Neighbor Program in Orwell.

"The Warming Wall is entering its second year and was a huge success last year," said Executive Director Patrick Arcaro. "This effort would not exist without donations from the community and our partnering locations. Throughout the winter, we often see individuals and groups of people stop to hang donated items on the walls. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to its success."

The Warming Wall was introduced to the community in 2023 by Arcaro as a community collaboration project. Those who need an item may take it, and those who have an item to give, may hang it. All items are donated. "It's been inspiring to watch the Warming Walls grow and evolve," said Kathryn Whittington Ashtabula County Commissioner.

Residents can contribute to the Warming Walls now by dropping items off in the lobby of either Ashtabula Job & Family Services location during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - or any of the other drop-off locations listed below. Starting in late November through March, donations can also be hung directly on the walls themself. Please ensure all items are placed individually in sealed plastic bags to protect them from rain and snow.

Drop-off locations:

JFS - 2924 Donahoe Drive, Ashtabula.

JFS/OMJ - 2247 Lake Ave., Ashtabula.

Ashtabula County Courthouse - 25 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson.

Conneaut City Hall - 294 Main St., Conneaut.

Country Neighbor Program - 39 S. Maple St., Orwell.

Please call 440-994-1200 for more information about the Warming Walls, questions about donating, or assistance with organizing a donation drive. Share your effort by using #ashtabulawarmingwalls on any of your social media sites.