Totally Giving Back

Totally Giving Back: Project Christmas Elves 2018

Drug addiction is destroying families and lives across the nation. More than 72,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The area we live in is not exempt from this tragic problem. In an effort to help, Totally Promotional employees this year focused their Totally Giving Back Project Christmas Elves 2018 efforts on the Mercer County House of Hope in Celina, Ohio. The nonprofit transition homes specialize in helping women and men with a history of substance abuse.

Sandy Huckemeyer, executive director of the homes, said she is grateful for the people and organizations who offer to help their program.

“The Houses of Hope in Mercer County are blessed to have such a supportive community,” she said.

Recovery and goals

Huckemeyer said Mercer County House of Hope is a faith-based, sober-living facility that provides support for those interested in recovery. Residents stay at the homes while slowly being integrated back into the community as a productive member, she added.

The recovery homes are only open to Mercer County residents.

“The individuals who are working their recovery are a direct benefit to our area as well as themselves, and a support system to other addicts,” Huckemeyer said.

She explained that addictions require programs that progressively help individuals move from therapeutic treatment to a structured living environment to independent living.

Meeting operational needs

The staff at Mercer County House of Hope provides housing, food, clothing, spiritual and emotional support to the people who qualify to stay in the program. They also assist residents in finding employment.

The recovery homes operate entirely on donations. Residents receive a one-time allotment of personal supplies upon arrival, but must get a job and buy their own during the remainder of their stay.

The Totally Promotional staff is grateful to JFS for helping us meet our Project Christmas Elves 2017 goal!

Totally Promotional’s staff this holiday season donated more 250 personal items and cleaning supplies to the homes. Public Relations Director Shelley Grieshop said employees wanted to show they care.

“Our employees are aware of the local drug problem and many have friends or relatives whose lives have been touched by substance abuse,” Grieshop said. “We hope our contributions help keep this wonderful program going.”

To learn how you can help support the Mercer County House of Hope, call 567-890-4674 or email to [email protected].