“To wrap up our 30^th anniversary celebration with gifts to benefit Miami County, we are distributing $9,275 for humanitarian aid. We currently support 17 humanitarian programs throughout the year and the extra money each organization will receive will allow them to help more people,” said Cheryl Stiefel-Francis, Miami County Foundation director. “We selected these organizations to receive the surprise gifts because we’ve worked with most of them for over 11 years and have been encouraged by the number of people they are able to help in their communities.”

The grant monies will help to provide food, shelter and medical needs. The organizations slated to receive grants will include Bethany Center; St. Patrick’s Soup Kitchen; Covington Outreach Association; FISH of Union Township; The New Path Inc.; The Salvation Army; Family Abuse Shelter; Partners in Hope; G.I.V.E. Inc.; Health Partners Free Clinic; Miami County Dental Clinic; and Troy Lions Charities. Some of these organizations operate more than one program to help those in need.

Justin Coby, director for Health Partners of Miami County, said the grant will come in handy.

“We’ll probably put the extra money toward the cost of diagnostic tests for patients,” Coby said. “The foundation’s humanitarian grants have been a staple for us. To have their support has been great.”

Testing, such as blood work, is often prescribed for patients who may not be able to afford the additional costs.

“Grants like this we are so thankful for because it can go toward such an expense,” Coby said. “Grants from the Miami County Foundation also have assisted us with inventory for our stock medication room. Without the foundation’s support year after year, this just wouldn’t be a reality. The have helped to guarantee every year that the same quality care is provided for our patients.”

The Covington Outreach Association provides a variety of assistance for those residing in the Covington area. The foundation grants assist with the association’s food bank, rent and utilities.

Recently the Covington Outreach Association helped provide Christmas for 81 seniors, those residing at Covington Care Center, as well as 19 seniors living alone in the community, said director Cindy Miller.

“And we just helped 167 children and 70 families with Christmas,” Miller said.

Donations are being accepted to help the foundation continue its grant-making into the future. Contributions may be mailed to P.O. Box 1526, Piqua, OH 45356 or online at www.miamicountyfoundation.org. For more information, call 773-9012.