CLEVELAND — One week before Easter, the Cleveland Hope Exchange passed out 1,500 baskets to families as part of their monthly Hope Day.
“It’s really my favorite day of the month,” said Traci Buzek, volunteer coordinator. “There’s always so much hope and love and joy and smiles being exchanged between volunteers and the people that we’re serving.”
Almost 130 volunteers showed up to help pack boxes. In addition to the Easter baskets, the boxes are filled with food, toiletries and books to give out to anyone who needs it.
This month’s drive-through event took place at Dennison Elementary school in Cleveland, but next month it will be held at a different school. Check hopeforcle.com for information about the next event.
The Hope Exchange started as an idea from members of Journey Church.
Now two and a half years later, it’s turned into a collaboration between businesses and nonprofits across the city. Partners include Walmart, Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Councilwoman Jasmin Santana, Journey Church, Cleveland Police, Relink, Kids Book Bank, and Dedicated Medical Center.
“Here’s the crazy thing about our volunteers, many of them were recipients of perhaps a prior Hope Day,” Pastor Jim Wilkes said. “So they’re from Journey Church, they’re from other nonprofits, they’re from the community. We’re stronger together. It’s a collaborative effort.”
For more information about how you can volunteer or pick up a box next month, text HOPE to 42000.
