CLEVELAND — When it comes to giving back, Ohio is one of the top ten most generous states of 2019, according to a WalletHub study.
Ohio ranked number five out of ten states based on charitable behavior, volunteer rates and donations.
But several Northeast counties were also recognized as the most charitable in another study by SmartAsset, a New York based financial firm.
Among the top ten Ohio counties, Geauga County was number two; Medina was number four and Cuyahoga was number eight.
Tyrrell Hines, a college freshman who grew up in Cuyahoga County says he was surprised at results of both studies.
“I didn’t know that at all,” he said. “I don’t see a lot of good going on in Cleveland for real.”
It’s why he spent Christmas Day giving back to his community. With the help of Gateway Church members, Hines handed out hot chocolate and cookies in Public Square.
“I just was thinking about all the people that are going to be alone on Christmas. I just wanted to help them out and give them some Christmas cheer,” Hines said.
Catholic Charities Medina County Director Michelle Kipfstuhl says she was not surprised at the study, but said, “it was great to see the hard data that supports some of the anecdotal things that I know.”
Kipfstuhl says the need in Medina County, like many others, is growing, but the community is stepping up.
“People are good they want to help,” she said. “In the year almost 2020 in the United State you would like to think that there isn’t as much need as there is but there definitely is.”
