Trials For Hope Turns Compassion into Action for Those in Need throughout Cleveland
Updated: Dec 3, 2023
CLEVELAND, OHIO - Trials For Hope, a beacon of hope for those in need, has been sowing seeds of kindness and change since June 2010. It all started with a simple act - a donation of hygiene products. But, like a drop creating ripples in a pond, this act of kindness has grown into something truly remarkable.
Trials For Hope is more than just an organization; it's a movement, a testament to the power of empathy and shared responsibility. It began with a calling to help others, to do more than just exist, and that spirit still pulses at its core. From operating out of an apartment to now reaching thousands each month, Trials For Hope has blossomed into a lifeline for many. Their food pantry, stocked by the local food bank, assists over 2,500 people every month, providing over 25,000 lbs of supplies.
Their journey is a testament to the dedication and hard work of many individuals. Volunteers like Mike Ring, Mikey Roberts, Tom, Richard Presley, Reggie Forkland, Diane, and many others have poured their time and effort into helping Trials For Hope grow. Today, their team includes four employees, two independent contractors, and many volunteers who walk side by side with them, lightening the burden of those grappling with poverty.
Understanding that poverty wears many faces, Trials For Hope addresses more than just physical needs. Poverty can also mean feeling forgotten, unloved, and disconnected from the world. To counter this, Trials For Hope weaves a sense of community around those they serve, reminding them of their inherent worth and dignity.
As the holiday season approaches, the team at Trials For Hope is gearing up to spread warmth and joy. They're preparing holiday bags for children whose festivities might be dimmed due to income constraints. A cherished yearly tradition of distributing 300 sandwiches to communities in need will take place the day before Thanksgiving. They're also putting together winter survival bags for the unhoused, filled with essential items like cough drops, hand warmers, emergency blankets, and more.
In December, a touch of holiday magic will be added to their regular contributions. Special homebound holiday bags, filled with items that are often seen as luxuries, will be distributed. These include candles, candy, batteries for remotes, oven gloves, pancake mix, gloves, hats, and other goodies. Their annual toy giveaway on December 16th aims to bring smiles to children's faces, hoping to provide over 1,000 toys to families in need.
The work of Trials For Hope is a testament to the power of community and the impact of every act of kindness, no matter how small. As they continue to grow, so does the need for donations and volunteers. If their story moves you, consider joining them in their mission. The richness of life, after all, isn't measured by material wealth, but by knowing we have what we need and that we're journeying through life alongside others. Trials For Hope embodies this truth, making our community brighter and more hopeful with each passing day.
Upcoming Events Heroes of Hope Fundraiser An evening of fun, food, fellowship, and fundraising at the Emerald Event Center in Avon on November 10th at 6 pm. The event will include dinner, raffles, auctions, games, music, and more! To purchase tickets or for additional information, please visit here.
Fifth Annual Fall Harvest Auction On November 12th at 6 pm, they'll be hosting their free-will offering brunch at Lakewood United Methodist Church from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. All monies from the brunch will benefit Trials For Hope. You can view the auction items on display here. To donate a basket, contact Teresa Graham at 216.288.3154.
Holiday Bags for Kids and Youth Starting November 7th at 9 am, they will begin their annual tradition of creating holiday bags for children and youth whose holidays might be compromised due to income. With the help of MIM and their generous donors, they aim to distribute over 150 bags this year.
Sandwiches for Communities in Need On November 22nd, the day before Thanksgiving, they will be distributing 300 sandwiches in to-go containers to communities in need. This is a cherished yearly tradition in collaboration with a local church.
Winter Survival Bags for the Unsheltered This winter, they continue their yearly tradition of providing winter survival bags to the unsheltered. They aim to create 300 bags filled with essentials such as cough drops, tissues, hand warmers, emergency blankets, and more, thanks to the help of Theresa and Allen Beyler and Our Lady Help of Christians Parish.
Homebound Holiday Bags This December, they will be preparing special holiday bags for our homebound community members. These bags, filled with luxuries that should not be luxuries, are a small token of their care during the holiday season.
All these events underscore their commitment to supporting those in need in our community.
