Not everyone looks forward to the holiday season, especially those who are struggling with homelessness. We are proud to have partnered with Ohio Valley Goodwill for the past 18 years to host the annual Homeless Awareness Community Dinner. The dinner is an event for our community to feel welcomed and enjoy a hot gourmet meal provided by Spectra Food Services.
More than 50 volunteers aided in bringing joy to children with a craft table to make their own stockings and crayons and markers to color their own pictures. Even Santa arrived with special surprises for all the kids! Several of the volunteers have been a part of this event for many years, and it shows their dedication to shedding light on the importance of helping our community by providing support to those who are in need.
Local news stations including WLWT News 5 and WCPO Channel came out to cover the dinner and interview Goodwill Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery and our own Jim Downton, Executive Director. Michael Flannery said in the interview that “Ohio Valley Goodwill is always glad to have the opportunity to support this important annual community outreach event which helps to bring attention to families who are struggling with homelessness in our community.” Ohio Valley Goodwill’s mission has always been to “assist our nation’s veterans as well as others challenged with homelessness to find permanent housing and attain economic self-sufficiency through the power of work.” Just last year, they served almost 600 veterans and 3,500 others through their employment, training and community integration programs.
We’d like to extend a special thank you to the Salvation Army, YWCA, Anna Louise Inn, Hatton Center, Parkway Center, Volunteers of America, Bethany House, Tender Mercies, Joseph House and the Off the Streets program.
To read more about the 18th annual Homeless Awareness Community Dinner and Ohio Valley Goodwill programs and services for individuals challenged with homelessness, please visit HERE.
