By Rick Thompson

September 11, 2015

Toledo Hemp Center LLC is once again hosting a Community Cookout for the Kids. This free event on September 19 will help raise awareness of Toledo’s growing problem of hunger among its children.

The 2nd Annual Community Cookout is a BBQ style picnic serving the people of the Library District of West Toledo. More than just food, the Cookout offers games, live music and prizes for those who attend. The Community Cookout was developed by Toledo Hemp Center CEO Kevin Spitler.

“The Cookout is intended to draw attention to a growing problem in Toledo,” Spitler said. “We’ll combat it  by focusing on those most at risk from hunger- the children,”

Toledo Hemp Center’s mission is to introduce a better quality of life in society through primary prevention/community based education by offering safe, administrative, non psychotropic, dietary hemp products to the society.

Mr. Spitler has made a long career out of helping others. Under Spitler’s direction, his Michigan business collected and donated over 6 tons of food to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. He also lead his region in soliciting donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, for which Spitler received an award from the MDA, and was involved in Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

After starting a new business in his hometown, Spitler began making plans to assist the community around where he works- as well as where he grew up. In the two years Mr. Spitler organized a blanket drive for Toledo’s homeless and helped to serve 500+ local residents at the first three Community Cookout for the Kids events.

The 2nd Annual Community Cookout for the Kids is sponsored by local businesses and organizations including Toledo Hemp Center, Toledo Five Points Association, 4 Square Construction and Bhang Hemp Products. Spitler identified both the New Light Community Church and Willys Overland Neighborhood Group as contributing to the success of the Community Cookout. Food prep / service will be provided by Pig Out BBQ.

“It is an incredible feeling to see all these local organizations come together for such an amazing cause. We are bringing the community back together again,” Kevin Spitler added.