Gift of Hope offers help and hope for area children

A vital organization in our community was designed to assist children and families in need. Gift of Hope is a local nonprofit that believes that no child should go hungry, cold or without food.

Gift of Hope, led by Executive Director Jennifer Costello, came about in a very unique and selfless way.

"Gift of Hope traces its beginnings back to 1979 when employees of National Enzyme Company decided to forgo exchanging company gifts and instead adopt children from Forsyth schools at Christmas time," Costello explained. "What began as a heartfelt act of generosity quickly grew, as they recognized other pressing needs facing local children and families—including food insecurity. From those early efforts, the nonprofit took root and eventually became its own 501(c)(3) organization, continuing to expand into the year-round support system it is today. For more than a decade, we've been walking alongside families in Taney County, making sure children have food on the weekends, families can keep their lights on, and students have the chance to dream bigger through scholarships."

Gift of Hope has a simple yet powerful mission—to provide essentials today while creating independence tomorrow.

"At the heart of everything we do is the belief that every child deserves the chance to feel safe, cared for and hopeful," said Costello. "We serve children and families right here in Taney County, who are struggling with poverty, food insecurity or sudden crises. Many of the kids we help are the ones sitting next to your own children in school—kids who just need someone to step in and lift a little of the weight off their families' shoulders."

There are a variety of programs that Gift of Hope has initiated to help children and families in need.

With the Backpack Club, Gift of Hope ensures that children don't go hungry when school cafeterias are closed by sending food home each weekend to nearly 1,000 students. The Cents of Pride Stores give young people the opportunity to choose the essential items they need such as hygiene items, school supplies and snacks. 

Gift of Hope's Winter Care program provides assistance to families in our community who may face extra difficulties during the winter months due to seasonal layoff. This program helps families with basic needs, including housing, heat and utilities during the coldest months of the year.  

With their Christmas Share program, Gift of Hope helps to bring Christmas joy to many area children through toy drives. They also empower parents to be a part of that Christmas joy by taking the parents shopping for gifts for their children.

Gift of Hope also offers a special scholarship program that provides hope for area students by helping them pursue a higher education, often as the first member of their family to attend college.  

Volunteers help Gift of Hope to implement some of their many programs. Said Costello, "Right now, our 'volunteers' are primarily the incredible school staff and students who help us distribute food and run our in-school Pride Stores. Their support makes our programs possible each week. Looking ahead, we anticipate needing additional community volunteers for our Christmas Toy Drive this year—helping sort, organize and distribute gifts to families. Anyone interested can watch our website and social media for volunteer sign-ups as the holidays approach,"

Gift of Hope relies on the generosity of the community, who provided needed funding through grants, local business partnerships, individual donations and fundraising events. One of Gift of Hope's most popular annual events is the Charity Golf Classic and Auction. The 12th annual event was held last month, and just as in years' past, funds generated will help with projects throughout the year. 

"Anyone wishing to help us can donate online at www.giftofhope.org, mail a check or even sponsor a child's backpack for just $5 a week," Costello added. "Every dollar makes a difference. When you give to Gift of Hope, you're not just paying a bill or filling a bag, you're lifting a child's spirits, easing a parent's worry and showing a family that their community cares about them. Together we can change the story for a child in need.