Ways To Help
Volunteer
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
In-Kind Donations
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.
Sponsorship
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.
