Previous projects

2024 Projects

One act, one person, one community — making a difference together.

Recent 2025 2024 2023

2024 in review

A year of giving back

From a record-breaking holiday toy drive to monthly acts of kindness, here is everything we accomplished together in 2024.

November & December 2024

Holiday Toy Drive & Sponsorship

Sending Hope Ohio's holiday toy drive was nothing short of extraordinary! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we surpassed all expectations and collected over 10,000 new and gently used toys, and proudly adopted 56 children for holiday sponsorship. We extend our deepest gratitude to our business partners — The Richards Group, Pearl Aesthetic and Wellness, InStep Health, Denison University, Grace Haven, and Miller Insurance and Financial — whose support was indispensable. Your contributions brought joy and created lasting, positive change in our community.

October 2024

Providing Bereavement Support

Sending Hope Ohio's October initiative showcased the power of community support through a heartfelt bereavement project for a local family in need. By providing homemade meals, financial assistance for unexpected medical bills, and food gift cards, our community ensured the family had both nourishment and peace of mind during a challenging time. We also stocked their pantry and created a beautifully crafted memory photobook — a touching tribute to cherished moments.

Providing Hygiene Kits for Individuals in Need

Sending Hope Ohio partnered with Denison University for our September and October initiatives to collect hygiene products, vital in creating personal hygiene kits for individuals in need, including local unhoused populations. College students, faculty, Newark City middle school students, and community families came together to gather and organize essential items — a compassionate reminder that everyone deserves dignity and care.

September 2024

9/11 Day of Service Community Event

Sending Hope Ohio and Denison University partnered to host a 9/11 Day of Service event, supported by the Youth Service America 'We Serve to Remember' grant. Families met our guest speaker, Canine Companions, joined a puppy meet-and-greet, participated in service stations, and honored local heroes. Featured organizations included Honor Flight Columbus, the Ronald McDonald House, the Humane Society, the Callahan Murphy Hare Foundation, Fostering Further, Licking County Aging Partners, the Newark Homeless Outreach, and the Fairfield County Charity Newsies.

9/11 Field Trip with Newark City Schools

On 9/11 we were honored to join Denison University and Honor Flight Columbus to host local middle school students on a field trip for 9/11 Day. Students learned how they could be 'everyday heroes,' engaged in meaningful conversations, and participated in community service stations for Honor Flight Columbus, the Ronald McDonald House, and local homeless individuals.

August 2024

Building Community

In August, Sending Hope Ohio engaged in impactful community activities across several events. We contributed to the 2nd Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Licking and Perry County Family Fun Fest, and at Grace Haven's Buckeye Bash Tailgate we raised awareness for our forthcoming holiday toy drive. Each initiative underscored our commitment to improving lives and fostering community support.

Newark Homeless Outreach

Sending Hope Ohio participated in Newark Homeless Outreach's International Overdose Awareness Day event, dedicated to honoring those who have lost their lives to addiction and advocating for recovery. We facilitated the creation of a giant banner with participants, illustrating how their lives create beauty in the world — a powerful and uplifting tribute amidst the day's reflective atmosphere.

July 2024

Celebrating Every Birthday

We are THRILLED to announce that Sending Hope Ohio donated 123 new toys to Big Brothers Big Sisters to help create an emergency birthday gift bank for children in need! Every child deserves to feel celebrated, and we're proud to make birthdays special for local children. A huge THANK YOU to all of our generous donors who made this possible!

June 2024

Fostering Intergenerational Connections

In June, we focused on fostering intergenerational connections! Sending Hope Ohio hosted a garden craft party with Cards of Joy, LLC for the residents of Chimes Terrace Assisted Living, making new friends across generations. We also launched an ongoing penpal program with elderly community members, fostered summer literacy in a free letter-writing class, and assisted neighbors through fellow nonprofit Lutheran Social Services.

May 2024

Pediatric Cancer Support

In May, Sending Hope Ohio sponsored Zach, a local pediatric cancer patient, and his family. Thanks to your kindness and generosity, we exceeded our fundraising goal — donating meals through July, $3,500 in finances, $750 in gift cards and snacks, plus homemade well-wishes, pictures, and cards that made a great impact on Zach's fight. We are immensely grateful for your contribution.

April 2024

Bereavement Support Project

In April, Sending Hope Ohio completed a bereavement project for three young children following the passing of their mother and infant brother. Thanks to your donations, we prepared their grandparents' home with $1,500 worth of items, provided $450 in gift cards for summer memberships and experiences, filled three new dressers with clothing, donated three professional birthday parties and a shopping spree, and created three bereavement blankets made from their mother's clothing.

March 2024

Spring Community Service Social with Denison University

It is with tremendous gratitude that we announce our Spring Community Service Social, in partnership with Denison University, was a GIANT success! We showcased eight different service projects benefiting the Ronald McDonald House, nursing homes, birthday parties for underprivileged children, greeting cards for the lonely, and more. Most importantly, we made nearly 200 new friends — the idea started around a kitchen table by four young children in 2020 has reached heights we never could have dreamed.

Gurney Family Children/Baby Item Drive

Sending Hope prepared the Gurney family's home for their upcoming foster care children, and provided assistance to new mothers in need through a social work program in the Ohio State University Maternal Medicine Department.

Clothing Drive for the Callahan Murphy Hare Foundation

Sending Hope donated 30 giant boxes of children's clothing to the Callahan Murphy Hare Foundation for their annual clothing sale benefiting pediatric cancer research.

Blanket Donation to the Ronald McDonald House

With the creativity of local children and families, Sending Hope donated 30 homemade blankets to the Columbus Ronald McDonald House to be given to each child upon admission.

February 2024

Valentine's Day Senior Tea

Sending Hope partnered with Cards of Joy, LLC to host a special Valentine's Tea Party at Chimes Terrace, a nursing home and assisted living facility. Residents enjoyed tea and snacks, played bingo, admired decorations made by a local Girl Scout troop, and received homemade valentines from elementary students.

Clothing Drive for Foster Care and Children in Need

Sending Hope members donated bags of clothing of all sizes to local Foster Care closets, helping ensure foster children and youth have what they need.

World Kindness Day

Random Acts of Kindness Day was February 17th, but we are celebrating ALL year with our Random Acts of Kindness campaign! Join us in tracking your acts of kindness with #SendingHopeOhio.

January 2024

Andrew's Winter Wonderland

Six-year-old Andrew was diagnosed with Stage Four Ewing's Sarcoma and faced a week-long stay at Children's Hospital. Since he couldn't play in the snow this year, Sending Hope created a winter wonderland — over 250 handmade snowflakes and banners, a handmade blanket, twinkling lights, and a dozen snow-themed gifts and activities. This was a giant team effort by three classrooms, a scout troop, and nearly 300 friends.

Winter Clothing for the Homeless

Frostbite is a major issue in our local homeless population. Sending Hope members collected gently used coats, blankets, gloves, hats, and thermals for the Newark Homeless Outreach.

Be part of the next project

See what we're working on this month and join in.

Current Projects