Care Train Mission Statement

Care Train of Union County is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to assist families and residents
of Union County by providing food and toys to those families/individuals experiencing economic
difficulties during the Holiday Season.

For almost two decades, Dave Laslow, long-time Marysville resident and founder of the Care Train
of Union County, has been working with kindhearted volunteers to provide children and their families
with food and gifts during the holiday season. Built on a strong commitment of serving and
giving, the organization raises funds and collects contributions to distribute to those in need
throughout the community.

The program, which began with a cardboard box placed inside the entrance of Dave’s local
Burger King, has since grown into a viable 501(c)3 non-profit organization staffed with dozens of
devoted volunteers.

As part of the Care Train of Union County program, gifts of love for the less fortunate are collected from the community. In addition, a live auction is held on the second Saturday of December to serve
as the highlight fundraising event and grand finale.

Working in cooperation with the Community Action Agency of Union County, the mission of the Care Train of Union County is to identify those who are facing economic difficulties and provide them with toys, food and other essentials to help bring a sense of joy during the holiday season.

Care Train Team

The Care Train of Union County is managed by a part time executive director and governed by a group of dedicated community members who are committed to fulfilling holiday dreams. The Care Train Team also includes countless volunteers who assist with securing auction items, solicitation sponsors, gathering toys, setting up for the Care Train Auction and finally, distributing toys and food vouchers to families in need.

Members of the 2008 Care Train Team include:

Bob Berbee, Marjolein Berbee, Barry Border, Anne Breneman, Jerry Buerger, Tami Buerger, Lila Cencula, Rich Cencula, Jim Cesa, Nancy Conklin, Phillip Connolly, Bruce Daniels, Shelby Daniels, Dan Fitzgerald, Karissa Hacker, Dave Laslow, Laura Laslow, Clay Moore, Karen Page, Dani Plank, Mike Ramsey, Theresa Ravencraft, Angela Vertucci, and Dan Westlake.

History

“Since the beginning in 1987, our vision for the Care Train of Union County was to make a huge impact in the community,” says Dave Laslow, founder and originator of the organization.

“It is truly an awesome experience to see the spirit of the holiday season come alive through this organization. Each year we begin the review, planning and organizing efforts early in order to touch as many lives as possible with the gifts we receive. The overwhelming feeling of awe and wonder is indescribable as we witness an outpouring of love, compassion and generosity from so many good folks working together to help others in need.”

Contact Us

Care Train
PO Box 68
Marysville, OH 43040

(937) 642-7847

email us

If you are a resident of Union County and will need assistance for the holiday
season, please call Community Action at 642-4986