Weekend’s Tent City event assists homeless in Toledo

10/25/2014

Leslie

The 25th annual Tent City event, which brings awareness to homelessness and connects people in need to services is this weekend in downtown Toledo.

“It’s all about people coming together,” said Ken Leslie, Tent City founder.

The free three-day event began Friday evening with a walk to benefit veterans.

Today’s events at the Civic Center Mall begin with breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

Activities run all day with services such as haircuts and medical screenings until 4 p.m., followed by live entertainment into the night.

Free lunch and dinner are provided at noon and 5:30 p.m.

Sunday’s community pancake breakfast begins at 7 a.m., followed by a reflection service at 10 a.m. and closing ceremony at 10:45 a.m.

Mr. Leslie said dozens of organizations, as well as more than 500 volunteers, are participating in the effort to help Toledo’s homeless population of about 1,000 people.

“We’re all human. We’re all community,” Mr. Leslie said. “It’s an incredible group of volunteers who are committed to just letting people know that they matter.”

Mr. Leslie said donations of gently used shoes, winter coats, and pants are still needed and will be accepted at Tent City through noon today.