Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

"Ohio Valley Goodwill Hosts 11th Annual Homeless Awareness Dinner"

For the 11th year in a row, Ohio Valley Goodwill was pleased to partner with the Sharonville Convention Center and food service provider Ovations Food Service in hosting the annual Homeless Awareness Dinner on Wednesday, December 12th. The annual tradition is planned and coordinated by staff members of Goodwill’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) team. This year’s holiday celebration welcomed over 400 individuals from area shelters including the Tom Geiger House, Anna Louise Inn, Salvation Army, First Step Home, Drop Inn Center, Mercy St. John, Parkway Towers, Battered Women’s Shelter, Light House Youth, VOA, Catholic Worker House,  NKY Veterans Dom, City Gospel and the Goodwill Dorm. This year’s special guests included  50 children under the age of ten. For the past 11 years, Ohio Valley Goodwill has partnered with the Sharonville Convention Center on this memorable event which provides a holiday meal with all the trimmings, entertainment and gifts for each guest. “We were so delighted when Ovations Food Service, the Sharonville Convention Center’s new food service operator stepped-up this year to continue this tradition,” said Charlie Blythe, Goodwill’s Grants Director. “We are thankful to have the opportunity to provide this wonderful dinner during the holiday season for these families,” said Blythe. While Ohio Valley Goodwill only provides direct service to a small percentage of each year’s guests, the organization sponsors the annual event to reach out to all those struggling with homelessness during the holiday season. To the delight of all of the eagerly awaiting children, Santa made a surprise visit which thrilled both young ones and adults alike. Candy canes and thoughtful gifts were enjoyed by all the guests that attended this year’s holiday celebration. Annually, Ohio Valley Goodwill serves more that 650 individuals challenged with homelessness in the Greater Cincinnati community.  Generous donations make it possible for the organization to provide skill training and employment services to help people to get jobs and permanent places to live. Goodwill is grateful for the giving spirit of the Greater Cincinnati community which has allowed the organization to fulfill its important mission of service for the past 96 years. Ohio Valley Goodwill appreciates the support and dedication of the Sharonville Convention Center and Ovations Food Service and wishes all a safe and happy holiday season.