The Beaver Creek Area Association of Realtors (BCAAR) presented a $5,500 donation to Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, Inc.’s (CAACC) Healthier Community Pantry following the second annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors bowling fundraiser held at Walnut Lanes in East Liverpool. On hand for the check presentation were, from left, Tom Andrews, CEO, CAACC; Barbara Stamp, BCAAR Director and realtor at BHHS Stouffer Realty; Linda Courtney, BCAAR Director and realtor at Towne & Suburban Realty; Dana Channels, BCAAR Director and realtor at Cedar One Realty; Dale Meller, BCAAR CEO; Rodney McHorney, BCAAR Director and realtor at Hardcastle Realty; Frank Kostik, BCAAR Vice President, Event Chair and realtor at Hardcastle Realty; and Caitlin Beaver, BCAAR Director and realtor at Hardcastle Realty. (Submitted photo)

LISBON – For the second year in a row, the Beaver Creek Area Association of Realtors (BCAAR) has stepped up to support Columbiana County families in need, helping ensure they have access to nutritious food this holiday season.

On Nov. 13, the BCAAR presented a $5,500 donation to the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County’s Healthier Community Pantry. The funds were raised through the second annual “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” charitable bowling event, held this year at Walnut Lanes in East Liverpool.

The event brought together 45 bowlers and was supported by 28 sponsors, including affiliate BCAAR members, real estate offices, and local businesses.

“A great big thank you to our members and sponsors. Because of their support and donations we were able to meet our goal for the food pantry. realtors play a significant role in helping people in our communities. We are proud to be able to help those in need during the holidays and look forward to continuing this event next year,” said Frank Kostik, BCAAR Vice President and Event Chair.

Creek Area Association of Realtors (BCAAR) has a membership of 185 realtors from Columbiana and Mahoning counties. Members are also affiliated with Ohio Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

“This donation comes at a critical time for our community,” said Martina Grimm, CAA’s Community Director. “Pantry visits have been steadily rising, and with the holidays approaching, the demand for assistance is higher than ever.”

CAA Healthier Community Pantry serves nearly 5,000 households and over 12,000 individuals annually, providing individuals with healthier food options and choices to accommodate dietary restrictions. Established in 2016 with funds from the Healthier Buckeye Pilot Grant Program, the pantry purchases food from local grocery stores, butcher shops, and the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley.

Funding also comes from the Community Service Block Grant, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and local fundraising efforts. Andrews, CEO of CAA, added, “These levels have increased over the years due to ongoing economic pressures. We are truly grateful for community partners like the BCAAR, whose continued support ensures families across Columbiana County have access to nutritious food.”

Healthier Community Pantry is located at 7860 Lincole Place, Lisbon, (rear-lower level) and is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Mondays, Wednesdays and federal holidays. For more information, call 330-424-4013.