A group of volunteers are helping the poor in Wood County.

On October 19, student volunteers and volunteers from the community are gathering together to help the homeless and the poor of Wood County.

“Project Connect Wood County provides immediate goods and services to people in our community who are in need of supportive services,” chair of the volunteer management committee Katie Stygles said.

Housing assistance, child services, medical care, personal care and behavioral health are some of the few supportive services these people are in need of.

Taking place on October 19 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, volunteers from BGSU and the BG area will be helping the less fortunate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event is geared towards serving the people of Wood County who cannot afford a permanent home. They might be living in a motel or out of their car.

“It is a common misconception that Wood County does not have any homeless people,” Stygles said.

People who attend will receive free meals, a haircut, dental care, financial advice, vision screening, legal aid, clothing and more.

375 volunteers are registered so far. They will be helping in the kitchen by serving hot meals throughout the day.

Volunteers will also be hosts. A host is paired with a family to help navigate them throughout the event and to socialize with them. Other volunteers will help with set up and clean up before and after the event.

“Project Connect Wood County has several goals including serving the community, collecting data to be shared with social service agencies, hosting service providers, recruiting volunteers, and raising awareness,” Stygles said.

This will be the fourth year for Project Connect Wood County.

To volunteer, register online on their Facebook page or walk in on the day of the event.