Ways To Help image
Gathering Hope House thrives because of people like you, volunteers, donors, and community sponsors who make daily recovery possible. Whether you give time, funds, supplies, or sponsor a day out, every contribution directly impacts the lives of adults living with mental illness in Lorain County.
Volunteers are a valued part of the Gathering Hope House community. Whether you're an individual, student, faith group, or local organization, your time and presence help us create a more supportive and connected recovery environment.

Be Part of the Day-to-Day Work
Volunteers are welcome at Gathering Hope House to assist with meals, activities, or special projects. Whether you're helping prep lunch, organizing donations in the Hope Chest Boutique, or offering a skill-based workshop, your time makes a difference.
Ways to Volunteer:
  • Kitchen support
  • Cleaning and organizing
  • Special events or workshops
  • Boutique restocking
  • Office and admin help
Volunteers must be 18 or older. Short orientation provided.

Support Recovery With Practical Giving

Gathering Hope House welcomes in-kind donations of supplies that directly support the daily life and recovery journey of adults living with mental illness. Your donated goods help us provide meals, clothing, wellness activities, and a safe, welcoming environment for our members, all at no cost to them.

We accept new and gently used items from individuals, families, businesses, faith communities, schools, and civic groups. Every contribution helps meet basic needs and enhances the quality of our programming.

What We Currently Need

Clothing & Personal Care

New socks and undergarments (all sizes)

Seasonal clothing (clean and gently used)

Cold weather items: jackets, hats, gloves

Personal hygiene products: deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene items

Towels and washcloths

Kitchen & Food Supplies

Paper products: napkins, paper towels, plates, cups

Disposable utensils, food prep gloves

Trash bags, dish soap, disinfectant spray

Art & Activity Supplies

Acrylic and watercolor paints, sketch pads

Markers, colored pencils, scissors, paper

Glue sticks, journals, craft kits

Adult coloring books

Office & Program Support

Copy paper, sticky notes, pens

Dry erase markers, file folders

Gift cards (Walmart, Dollar Tree, Michaels, OfficeMax)

We Also Accept: Small Appliances & Home Goods

In addition to supplies, we accept small household items in good working condition to help maintain our space and support members with limited resources.Examples include:

  • Microwaves, coffee makers, toasters
  • Lamps, small shelving units, side tables
  • Gently used dishes, silverware, cookware
  • Blankets, bedding 
  • Wall clocks, rugs, basic home decor

There are just a few things we can’t take:

  • Used undergarments or socks
  • Expired food 
  • opened hygiene products
  • Broken or non-working electronics or furniture
  • Mattresses or large upholstered items

How to Donate

Small donations ( a trunk full or less of bags or boxes) may be dropped off anytime during our open hours—no appointment needed.

Larger donations (furniture alternatives, bulk items, or group collections) should be scheduled in advance so we can prepare to receive them.

Donation Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: 1733 North Ridge Road East, Lorain, OH 44055

Phone: 440‑233‑7400

Email: whitneyoliver@gatheringhopehouse.org


Thank You

Every donated item becomes part of a member’s day, something they wear, eat, create with, or rely on. Thank you for supporting peer-led mental health recovery with practical, compassionate giving.

Sponsor an Outing or Activity

Help Create Real-World Recovery Moments

At Gathering Hope House, outings and special activities are more than just fun—they’re powerful opportunities for members to reconnect with the world around them, practice life skills, and enjoy community in safe, supported ways. By sponsoring an outing, event, or in-house activity, you're helping adults living with mental illness experience the joy, connection, and confidence that come from being part of something beyond their daily routines.


What You Can Sponsor

Community Outings

Help cover the cost of transportation, tickets, and meals for group trips such as:

Bowling or movie nights

Zoo, museum, or nature center visits

Local festivals, arts events, or community markets

Dining out or holiday meals

Library card trips, volunteering, or wellness-focused events


On-Site Activities

Support programs that happen right at GHH, great for donors who want to make a local impact:

Pizza nights or ice cream socials

Holiday or themed parties

Paint & snack workshops

Bingo nights, karaoke, trivia

Guest-led skill-building sessions


Perks of Sponsoring!

As a thank-you, your business or organization’s logo will be printed on the shirts worn by members during the sponsored outing. Whether it's a trip to the zoo, a museum, or a community festival, your support will be visible, appreciated, and part of a real recovery experience. What’s Included:


Your logo is featured on custom shirts worn during the outing

Recognition on our website and social media (optional)

A thank-you photo or message from our team

Tax-deductible contribution acknowledgment


Ready to sponsor a day out?
 Call 440‑233‑7400 or email whitneyoliver@gatheringhopehouse.org to get started.


Isolation is one of the biggest barriers to recovery. Outings and shared activities help members rebuild confidence, learn new skills, and re-engage with their community. Your sponsorship makes those moments possible. Every activity you support brings connection, dignity, and joy into someone’s life.