By Barbara Lockard
With a new name, busy retail store and programs growing in popularity, you’d think the fall season would be busy enough for Beatitudes.  

Deb Curlis, store manager, couldn’t let Christmas 2019 pass by without adding a few special events, however, and the facility has been buzzing with holiday activity since before Thanksgiving!

Beatitudes’ Holiday Shopping Extravaganza kicked off on Nov. 11 and runs through Dec. 21. Curlis said the seasonal bargains have been a hit.

“There are lots of Christmas decorations, both gently used and new,” she added.  “The prices are so good; you can buy for next year and beyond.”  

More than 150 area residents enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving dinner on November 26.  Dinner was served from 4-6 p.m. at the VFW and sponsored by the Ada Lions Club.  Less than a week later, Beatitudes participated in downtown Ada’s Merry on Main, treating shoppers to hot chocolate.  

The Kids’ Shopping Event, held Dec. 6, is an annual tradition and increasingly popular.  Children can shop for free, selecting gifts for parents or other family members with the assistance of volunteers. There’s even a gift-wrap station and a chance to visit with Santa.  This year’s volunteer corps was comprised mostly of students from Ohio Northern University (ONU).  

“We received lots of donations for this event,” said Curlis. “Our businesses are generous, especially when it comes to kids.”  She added that she has seen a great need for children’s coats, hats and gloves and welcomes donations of new and clean used winterwear.  

Christmas is near!
Platters of ham and sweet potatoes were on the tables for the Dec. 18 Christmas dinner.  The meal was followed by a favorite activity…Bingo! 

Curlis is aware that for many Beatitudes’ “regulars,” Christmas is a time that may not be so jolly. 

“We have some visitors who live alone and some who have trouble making ends meet, especially during the winter,” she said thoughtfully.  “For some, it’s a choice between paying the utility bill or buying food.”  

Those in need are welcome to use the organization’s Food Pantry and, although she cannot pay everyone’s entire utility bill, Curlis can connect them with agencies who can help.  Beatitudes is a link to many resources in northwest Ohio.  

Wish list
Does the Beatitudes’ store manager have a “wish list” this Christmas?

“I guess I would wish for more volunteers,” Curlis said.  “Our ONU students have been great and now we are teaming up with students from Ada High School, so our volunteer numbers might be increasing.”

Beatitudes will be closed from Dec. 22 through Jan. 5 for some remodeling and rearranging of certain areas.  Plans for 2020 include serving soup for lunch during January.  Curlis feels that a hot noontime meal is important during the coldest months.  She’s accepting suggestions on what kind of soups to serve.

During the holiday season as well as the rest of the year, Beatitudes is there to address the needs of the Ada community as well as providing an opportunity for socialization, entertainment and fun.  It’s truly living up to its motto, “Where blessings are given, and hope is restored.”

For more information, contact Deb Curlis at [email protected] and follow Beatitudes on Facebook at Beatitudes/Ada.