Celina-Mercer County Combined Services Appeal Launches Annual Fundraising Drive

CELINA — The Celina-Mercer County Combined Services Appeal has launched its annual fundraising drive to support 18 nonprofit organizations serving Mercer County residents.

Combined Services representative Caitlin Blair said all money distributed to the participating organizations must be used to provide direct support to people in Mercer County.

“If we raise $100,000, that’s $100,000 providing direct support to people in need in Mercer County,” Blair said.

Donors can make a general contribution, which will be divided among the member organizations, or designate their donation for one or more specific organizations. Blair said a designated contribution goes entirely to the organization selected by the donor.

The annual campaign supports organizations providing healthcare, hospice care, youth mentoring, services for people with disabilities, emergency assistance and other programs. Participating organizations include the American Red Cross, Cancer Association of Mercer County, Choosing Life Pregnancy Center, EverHeart Hospice, Mercer Residential Services, Our Home Family Resource Center and several others.

Blair said Combined Services has raised millions of dollars for Mercer County nonprofit organizations since the campaign began in the 1970s. Participating organizations have directly assisted thousands of county residents during the past several years.

The organization describes the campaign as an all-volunteer effort coordinated locally. Donated services help keep administrative expenses low so contributions can be directed toward community needs.

Donations by cash or check may be dropped off at the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce office or mailed to Celina-Mercer County Combined Services Appeal, P.O. Box 107, Celina, Ohio 45822. Donations can also be made through Venmo, with information available through the organization’s website and social media pages.

A new website was created for the organization by 2026 graduates of Tri Star Career Compact’s Interactive Media program. The site includes information about participating organizations and a downloadable contribution form. Online donation capabilities are still being developed.

The organization is also planning benefit days with CJ’s HighMarks and The Willow. Dates and additional details will be posted through its social media accounts.

More information is available at mercercountycombinedservices.org.