Briefs: HEAP deadline, Soap Box Builder's Day, Color Fun Walk/5K, rummage sale

Deadline approaching for energy program

Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will be accepted through May 31. HEAP helps Ohioans at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines pay their winter heating bills. Anyone age 18 and older may apply for this assistance. Those 60 and over can get assistance with filling out the application. All heating types are eligible for energy assistance programs.

For more information, including a list of required documents, contact the Area Agency on Aging at 419-524-4144 or 800-860-5799 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To be connected to a local energy assistance provider, call 800-282-0880 (hearing impaired clients may dial 711 for assistance) or visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Soap Box Derby Builder's Day this weekend

North Central Ohio Soap Box Derby will hold its annual Builder's Day from noon to 4:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday at the Richland County Fairgrounds. First year racers should plan to attend. All racers are welcome to attend to work on cars.

All registration forms are do no later than Sunday. The registration fee can be paid at inspection.

The North Central Ohio Soap Box Derby is open to youths between the ages of 7 and 17 (depending on division) who live in the following Ohio counties: Richland, Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion and Morrow. The annual gravity race will take place on June 24 on North Main Street in downtown Mansfield.

For more information about Builder's Day and the tools that racers are asked to bring, if possible, contact Brian at 419-522-9530 or Ruth at 419-564-3304.

Color Fun Walk & 5K Fun Run supports child fostering services

ASHLAND − In recognition of Foster Care Appreciation Month, Fostering Family Ministries will hold a Color Fun 1-mile Walk & 5K Fun Run on Saturday at Freer Field, 1264 Center St., Ashland. There will be an 8 a.m. check-in and a 9 a.m. start for the run and walk. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.

Donations will be used to support the work of Fostering Family Ministries, which serves vulnerable children and families. A Wayne County donor provided a matching challenge of up to $25,000.

Foster and kinship services reach Ashland, Richland, Knox, Medina and Wayne counties.

To participate or donate visit fosteringfamilyministries.org.

Mansfield church holding rummage sale

First Christian Church at 200 W. Third St. in Mansfield is holding a spring rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Patrons can stuff a bag for $1.

Upcoming meetings:

● Plymouth-Shiloh Local Board of Education, 12:30 p.m., Friday, administrative office building, 365 Sandusky St., Plymouth

● Shelby Shade Tree Commission, 3 p.m., Tuesday, James E. Henkel conference room, 43 W. Main St., Shelby

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: North Central Ohio Soap Box Derby Builder's Day, foster care fun run