The annual Hope 4 Kettering Christmas Store was held in December 2025, bringing holiday gifts and essential items to 996 children and 332 families in Kettering, Centerville and surrounding communities in Ohio. This initiative served families in the community in addition to children from group foster homes, recovery homes and other under-resourced settings. Families could shop at no cost for essential items such as socks, underwear and winter coats, allowing them to stay healthy and avoid cold-related health issues during the wintertime. While at the Christmas Store, families were also able to shop for toys, gifts and children’s Bibles. Beyond shopping, the store offered a free gift-wrapping station, a prayer team for spiritual support and a local resource area to connect families with helpful services. Community members and local churches participated by donating gifts or funds, purchasing items and volunteering their time.

Why We Did It

Many families in the Kettering/Centerville community face financial hardships that make it difficult to provide holiday gifts and essential winter items for their children. The Miami Valley Leadership Foundation created the Hope 4 Kettering Christmas Store to ensure that under-resourced families could experience the joy of giving without the burden of cost. By offering free toys, clothing and other necessities, the store helps relieve financial stress on caregivers while creating a meaningful holiday experience for children. Beyond meeting material needs, the store provided emotional and spiritual support through prayer and community connections.