On January 21st, the Van Wert County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was dispatched to assist the Van Wert City Fire Department for a house fire (600 block of N. Race St.). 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

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

Case #7487

  • Adult Female: 29 Jeans/Med. Sweatpants, XL Shirts, 8.5 Footwear, XL Coats
  • Adult Female: Small Sweatpants, Small Shirts, Small Coats
  • Adult Female: M/L Sweatpants, M/L Shirts, 9.5 Footwear, Large Coats
  • Adult Female: 11/12 Jeans/Med. Sweatpants, L/XL Shirts, 9.5 Footwear, Large Coats
  • Adult Male: 32/32 Pants, Large Shirts, Large Coats

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 January 28, 2026.

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 #7487 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 #7487 in the Donation Note.

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

CERT is a United Way agency.