(11-3-25) On November 2nd, the Van Wert County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was dispatched to assist the Willshire Fire Department for a house fire. CERT is working to raise support for the families. After meeting with the family it is determined that clothing, and monetary donations are needed.

Photo Credit: Bob Barnes

Firefighters from Willshire, Ohio City, and Rockford responded to the blaze on Green Street in Willshire shortly after 7:30 a.m. Sunday, November 2. Officials say the resident woke up to smoke inside the home and was able to escape safely, though a dog died in the fire. Crews had the blaze under control within an hour, but the home sustained heavy damage.

Please include the following Case # with your donation so that we can ensure they are distributed to the correct family:

Case # 1478

Adult Male: Pants 38/32, Shirts 2XL, Footwear 11, Coats 2XL

Donations for the fire victims should be taken to the following locations based on the contents:

Clothing Items:

Trinity Global Methodist Church, 220 South Walnut Street, Van Wert, OH 45891

Business Hours: Mon – Thur 8:00am – 4:00pm

Larger Appliances and Furniture:

Trinity Friends Church, 605 North Franklin Street, Van Wert, OH 45891

Business Hours: Mon – Fri 9:00am – 4:00pm

*Some appliances may not be needed, in the event that we cannot accept your donation, we may ask that you return to pick up your items as storage space is low.*

Donations will be collected until 11/9/2025.

Monetary donations can be dropped off or sent to Van Wert County Foundation/CERT located at 138 E. Main St. in Van Wert. Please include the Case # 1478 in the memo.

Donations can also be made online at vanwertcountyfoundation.org by clicking ‘Donate’ and selecting the ‘Van Wert EMA/CERT Fund’ and include the Case # in the Donation Note.

Any questions, please call the EMA office at 419-238-1300.

We appreciate your support!

CERT is a United Way agency.