The Open Shelter was able to provide a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2023 to nearly 50 families, over 225 children, and hundreds of men and women, thanks to the caring, thoughtful, and loving efforts of so many.
Toys, games, hygiene kits, care packages, clothing, food baskets, and delicious meals were provided to our homeless and marginally-housed neighbors.
The Holiday Season can be a stressful and hard time for those we serve, but YOU made it joyful for those we serve.
This only happens because of the help of so many.
We would like to thank Terri Lee Harmon Schoenberger, Beth Yeprem, Mt. Herman Missionary Baptist Church, New Birth Christian Ministries, Seeds Of Caring, Stone Village Church, VORYS, Molly Barrington & Family, Dublin Coffman High School Athletic Teams, Mifflin Presbyterian Church, Harry & David, Critical Care Transport, Risen Word Fellowship, Access: Information Protected, and TJX Companies.
BIG thanks also to United Faith International Baptist Church, Cypress Church of Grove City, Caitlin & Company, Focus Learning Academy, Dave & Melynda Snider, Nationwide Insurance Employees, Ohio State College of Veterinary Students, Victoria’s Secret, Anne Grunden, Sister Pat Pieper, St. Andrew Catholic Church, St. Agatha Catholic Church and Tom & Veronica Garrity & Our Lady of Peace, and the New Albany Chipotle.
Thanks also to Brian Hall, Rev. Pete Elliott & Church of The Messiah, Enterprise, Lotus Beauty Lofts, Julian Mahaffey, EV Bishoff Company, Katherine Cull, Wendy M., Rufus Bailey, Madison Ham, Paul & Kathleen Rowley, Jennifer Howard, Michelle Bickle, Marie Oulette, Anita Lauer, and Nan Klempnauer.
And thanks as well to Charles Diles, Ron Stump, Jennifer Keefer, Wendy Tipton, Jessy Gerschutz, Susan Snyder, Jill Parak, Dan Scurria and to anyone we may have missed who helped make the Holidays so special for those we serve!
Families who signed up for Thanksgiving assistance were automatically signed up for our Christmas event. Thanks to the fantastic donations of so many, they were able to choose from toys, athletic equipment, beauty and grooming kits, games and more to have as gifts for Christmas.
Hygiene and Care Kits, along with personalized Christmas Cards were given out during a delicious Christmas Brunch.
We would like to thank Shannon Isom (Community Shelter Board), Sarah Lenkay (South Side Thrive Collaborative), Joshua Shortridge (Stowe Baptist Mission), Mike Premo (Church and Community Development for All People), and Tim & Laurie Knapik among others for attending.
