Many Ways to Assist Knox County, Ohio Victims' Families

Anyone who wishes to offer assistance to the families of Tina Herrmann, Kody Maynard and Stephanie Sprang has several opportunities throughout Central Ohio.

The three were last seen on November 10 along with Herrmann's daughter who was rescued four days later from the basement in the home of her alleged kidnapper Matthew Hoffman. Their bodies were recovered eight days later and this small rural community is attempting to move forward and help the survivors.

A two-day benefit will be held at Breezy Bay, 22001 Coshocton Road, near the entrance of Apple Valley. On Saturday November 27, attendees will be entertained by Mad Gathering and Chapter 13 from 8:00 pm until 1:00 am with no cover charge. A 50/50 drawing will take place and donations accepted for the families. Additionally, all of Breezy Bay's profits from that evening will be donated to the fund. On Sunday November 28, a family friendly event will begin at 4:00 pm. A live auction featuring items donated by several local businesses will take place with all proceeds designated to the fund.

In downtown Mount Vernon, The Secret Closet at 10 East Gambier Street will donate $1 for every item sold in the shop through at least December 31. If any of the female family members of the victims are in need of clothing for the calling hours or funeral, owner Terrie Lewis will help with items from the boutique featuring consignment and new clothing. The Secret Closet also has a donation can which will be divided between the two families.

Vino Where You Live at 6400 Newark Road, Mount Vernon is also accepting donations for both families.

A funeral luncheon is being coordinated by Christine Hamilton of The Alcove for the family. The Alcove will host and help provide the meal along with the Mount Vernon Country Club, the Ohio Eastern Star Home, Sips, Flappers and The Pink Cupcake which will be served by several volunteers including area business owners and Alcove employees.

Several benefit accounts have been created. To assist with Stephanie Sprang's funeral fund, checks can be mailed to CES Credit Union, 400 West Chestnut Street, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 and will be credited properly by referencing "Stephanie Sprang" in the memo area.

It has been confirmed with Schoedinger Funeral Services that donations for the funeral of Tina Herrmann and Kody Maynard can be given to Schoedinger employees (wearing name badges) at the calling hours and funeral or sent to Schoedinger Northeast Chapel, 1051 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230.

Any branch of Woodforest National Bank including the one at 1575 Coshocton Avenue, Mount Vernon (inside Wal-Mart) is accepting donations for both families. Please indicate "To Benefit of Stephanie Sprang's Children" or "To Benefit Tina Herrmann and Children". Killbuck Savings Bank near the victims' homes in Apple Valley also has accounts designated for both families. Checks stating "For the Benefit Tina Herrmann and Kids" or "For the Benefit of Stephanie Sprang"

Donations for Tina's daughter can be made at any branch of Fifth-Third Bank by referencing "Maynard Benefit Fund". Anyone who lives outside the area can mail contributions to Fifth Third Bank, 21 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215.

Many area residents have already turned out in force to help these families with the financial burden created by this senseless act. On Saturday November 20 the Dairy Queen in Mount Vernon where Tina Herrmann was employed donated $1 for every Blizzard sold and accepted cash donations. Several hours before closing Saturday night, more than $3,500 had been raised to be divided between Herrmann's daughter and the children of Stephanie Sprang.

If you know of a legitimate fundraising effort to benefit the families of Stephanie Sprang, Tina Herrman and Kody Maynard, please feel free to leave a comment here with contact information or send a confidential message to me through my profile page here at the Yahoo! Contributor Network. This messaging system does not record your e-mail address.