This time of year is all about giving to others, but giving can be so much more than buying something. You can give your time, appreciation and joy to every person you come into contact with. This December, the Sharonville Convention Center, Spectra Food Services and Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries came together to host the 17th annual Homeless Awareness Dinner.
“The annual dinner brings together individuals and families at the Convention Center for a wonderful dinner and special activities serving more than 300 guests. The Sharonville Convention Center and Spectra Food Services organize this extra special evening which includes many volunteers from the staff of the two organizations,” says Michael Flannery, Public Information Officer for Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries.
In light of bringing awareness to homelessness, Goodwill’s Special Projects team coordinated transportation, provided byQueen City Transportation, from nine different homeless shelters around Greater Cincinnati. How wonderful it was to ensure that so many people could attend this special event. In addition to a delicious hot meal prepared by Spectra Food Services, a DJ was there adding to the ambiance and the children got a special surprise visit from Santa! This year, more than 50 children were under the age of 16 and they all had the opportunity to design their own stockings as a craft during the event.
Sharon Hannon remarks that “a special part of this wonderful evening is always the volunteers who help to serve dinner, make participants feel welcome for the holiday celebration and join in the festivities.”
We’d like to extend a special thank you to everyone who volunteered their time for 17th annual Homeless Awareness Dinner! You brought joy to many and we appreciate you.
To find out more about Ohio Valley Goodwill’s programs and services for individuals challenged with homelessness, please visit www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/services.
