This week the Columbus-based Ohio Benefits Bank is sending counselors to sit down with Lawrence County residents and help them with the paperwork for getting such benefits as food stamps and Medicare.

The counselors will be at the Chesapeake Community Center today and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The OBB is a product of Gov. Ted Strickland’s administration with the goal of getting tax credits and benefits out to those who are eligible.

According to its Web site “more than $1.6 billion in tax credits and public benefits are not claimed every year by eligible Ohioans and more than 95 percent of these unclaimed funds are federal dollars.”

The benefit bank offers Web and counselor assisted programs for low and moderate-income Ohio residents, including free income tax preparation. It is a coalition that includes the governor’s office, faith-based and community initiatives, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Ohio Department of Development and the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks.

To make an appointment for this week’s sessions, contact the Chesapeake Center at (740) 867-4532.