The Homefull holidays were jam-packed with projects, collection campaigns and tree lots! The Dayton community once again proved why this is such a great place to live. Companies, schools, churches and individuals gave of their time as well as generously donated items to our collection campaigns. Thousands of gifts, backpacks and start-up kits were delivered to our Homefull offices and then delivered to our clients. The “Adopt-A-Family” program reached a record number of clients this year, thanks to the incredible number of sponsors. The Holiday Backpack Project collected close to a thousand backpacks carefully filled with needed essentials for clients in the Gateway Shelters. The area Buffalo Wild Wings and Milano’s restaurants once again hosted a collection campaign with barrels placed in their establishments.
Our newest partnerships with Bern’s Garden Center and Fairhaven Church included Tree Lots on their properties where Homefull sold Christmas trees and all proceeds went to our programs. Fairhaven Church members also filled over 1200 bins with items to help a family moving from homelessness into a home. These Start-Up Kits filled most of a semi truck and the unloading process was an amazing sight to behold!
The holidays culminated with a Holiday Party at the Job Center where clients, staff and holiday sponsors/donors came to celebrate and show their appreciation for all of the holiday generosity. Cookies, punch, caroling and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus were enjoyed by a huge crowd!