ANSONIA – Even though it had to be postponed for another day because of inclement weather, the Ansonia Local Schools’ annual Pay-it-Forward picnic was a success this 2023-24 school year.
“Students enjoyed games, food and prizes thanks to our local sponsors. This year, Ansonia Local Schools was able to raise and donate $1,495 to the Ansonia Community Food Pantry,” said one of the organizers, educator Kristina McKenzie.
She continued, “A huge thank-you to those who helped make this a successful event: Winner’s Meat, Beanz, Dairy Queen, Save-a-Lot, Walmart, Eikenberry’s, Taco Bell, McBo’s, Butcher Block, Coffee Pot, JT’s Brew and Grill, Hothead Burritos, John’s IGA, Gels IGA, Lowes, Vintz, Better You Boutique, Cozy Cabin, Mercer County Lodge, Grace & Serenity Wellness, Edward Jones, Rooted in Wellness, American Legion, Jafe, Marshall’s, Las Marias, Morning Fresh, Moody’s Auto Service, Pla-Mor Lanes, Belle Fiole Tanning, Bake Shoppe and Wayne IGA.”
Helping to organize this event once again was also fellow teacher Mary Lochtefeld.
McKenzie said, “This is our seventh year coordinating the event together. In the past years, we have donated to Our Farm Sanctuary, Rustic Hope, the Ansonia Methodist Church Food Pantry and the Darke County Animal Shelter.”
According to her, the Pay-it-Forward picnic began decades ago when there was a mother-daughter tea fundraiser.
“The purpose of the fundraiser was to help an Ansonia family with a sick member,” she explained. “The idea of paying it forward grew from there, and it eventually evolved into what it is today.”
