Family

BY KRISTI FISH | MIRROR REPORTER — Toledo Helps Ukraine is still working hard to secure a brighter future for displaced and besieged Ukrainians nearly a year after Russia’s invasion. “Toledo Helps Ukraine has existed for almost a year now. It’s hard to believe we’ve gone through 11.5 months of hard work,” …

BY KAREN GERHARDINGER | MIRROR REPORTER — When a serious medical emergency or accident occurs, it’s the paramedics in the white and orange Life Squads who arrive on the scene to render advanced life support (ALS). Since 1992, this service has been operated by Lucas County, funded by a .25-percent sales tax that, …

BY KRISTI FISH | MIRROR REPORTER — The Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio offers free services and connections to providers of all industries for those ages 60 and up. The agency provides resources from senior centers to businesses to support groups that older Northwest Ohioans and their caregivers might require. …

BY KAREN GERHARDINGER | MIRROR REPORTER — “Unique” is an often-heard word around the classrooms of Lial Catholic School. “Students are taught that we are all special and unique, and to embrace that uniqueness,” said principal Dr. Debbi Bloomquist. “Students accept their God-given gifts and their classmates’ gifts as well.” That philosophy has …

BY KAREN GERHARDINGER | MIRROR REPORTER — “Refreshing.” That’s the word Melissa McPartland of Maumee and Azia McCahan of Bowling Green each used to describe their sojourns into the Maumee River water on January 1 at 2:30 p.m. McPartland and McCahan were among the dozens of revelers who trekked to Memorial Park near the …

BY KRISTI FISH | MIRROR REPORTER — The Toledo Humane Society staff and volunteers worked hard this month to clear the shelter temporarily in time for the holidays. The annual Home for the Holidays campaign allows shelter animals – from dogs and cats to bunnies and hamsters – to find short-term foster …

BY MIKE McCARTHY | MIRROR EDITOR — Hunter Spioch learned some valuable lessons about life and humanity during his Eagle Scout project last December, when he led a group of volunteers in a massive fundraising effort to provide 30 Christmas dinners for local families in need. The warmth and sense of gratitude …

BY KRISTI FISH | MIRROR REPORTER — At StoryPoint in Waterville, the staff strives to create as welcoming and comfortable of a home environment as they can, and that means they never skimp on festive decor. In the fall, the senior living facility was decorated for the residents to enjoy the colorful …

BY KRISTI FISH | MIRROR REPORTER — While some holidays are joyous occasions, they can also be a time filled with immense grief and trauma, so many area churches and organizations have been preparing residents and parishioners for the range of emotions they may feel. At this time of year, people may …

BY KRISTI FISH | MIRROR REPORTER — Two hundred children, 100 each in Maumee and Springfield Township, will have presents under their trees thanks to Mrs. Secret Santa. For 20 years, an anonymous couple has provided students in Springfield schools with the presents, and 10 years ago, they began donating to Maumee …