Angle receives The Steel Magnolia Award

Candy Angle recently received The Steel Magnolia Award from The AK Steel Foundation. Josie Sellers | Beacon

COSHOCTON – When Lyn Mizer was reminded about nominations for AK Steel’s The Steel Magnolia Award, she immediately thought of Candy Angle from United Way’s partner agency the Coshocton County Handicapped Society.

“One of my (United Way of Coshocton County) board members works for AK and reminded me that they give out this award for females in the community doing great things,” said Mizer, who is executive director of the United Way of Coshocton County. “I immediately thought of her and all the hard work she pours into making sure we have this program here.”

Mizer said Angle has continued to come up with clever fundraisers to keep revenue coming in to keep the program going and has extended herself past her comfort zone.

“She has learned how to write grants and filled out our requests for proposals and has spoken in front of groups,” Mizer said. “She has really extended herself far beyond what she normally would have been able and willing to do. When she is out there selling raffle tickets it’s hard to turn her down.”

Angle received her award on March 25 and was honored that Mizer thought of her.

“It’s overwhelming and an honor,” Angle said.

The award comes with $2,500 to be donated to a charity of the winner’s choice. Angle picked the handicap society, where she serves as the president.

“The money will help with things like building repairs, (wheelchair) ramps and air conditioners,” Angle said. “It’s good that we can collaborate with others. We’ve done a lot of collaborating with different people and are working with AK on a few other things. We are grateful for everybody in the community.”

The handicapped society is located at 1005 Main St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“It’s a place you can go to get medical equipment,” Angle said. “Anything with a motor in it needs a prescription and all other things you can fill out a paper and get a six month free loan program.”

They welcome donations of medical supplies and volunteers.

“Volunteers are our biggest need right now,” Angle said. “They can answer phone calls, sign equipment in and out, file paperwork, vacuum, and clean equipment.”

They also can volunteer their time to pick up equipment in the evening.

“School children can come and volunteer too,” Angle said. “We are trying to get everyone involved and it will look good on a college application.”

Her husband Tim is very involved with the handicapped society and so are their three boys.

“What we do we do to help people, not for recognition,” Tim said.

Mizer is impressed that the family volunteers together.

“Those boys are growing up learning to pay it forward and are gaining good skills like learning how to repair equipment,” she said. “I really respect and admire the family. They do a lot. All of them do.”

People can join the handicapped society for $5 the first year and $1 for each year after that. After belonging for two years you are eligible to be on the board.

For more information on the Coshocton County Handicapped Society, call 740-623-8001.

“I was really pleased that they (AK Steel) recognized and saw what I saw in Candy,” Mizer said. “This award was made for women like her who have been dealt challenges in life but went beyond it. They’ve never felt sorry for themselves. They knew they could do something and make a difference and that is exactly what she is doing.”

Category: Clubs & Organizations