Giving Hope Charity: From One Idea to a Lasting Community Legacy

What began as a simple idea during one of the most difficult chapters in recent history has grown into a powerful local movement, touching the lives of dozens of children each year. Giving Hope Charity, rooted in compassion and driven by community support, continues to remind families across Knox County that hope is not just a feeling, it is an action.

Giving Hope Charity began during the 2020 Christmas season, a time when the COVID-19 pandemic was placing unprecedented pressure on families throughout the community. The idea was first sparked by Dave Shoro, who saw a need to do something meaningful for children facing hardship. Working alongside fellow Mount Vernon City Schools transportation and maintenance staff members Zack Shoro, Sandy Diguilio, Shana Waters, Christine Holman and Doug Peach, the vision quickly moved from conversation to action.

That first year, the group organized a holiday experience for six elementary students. Each child received a $200 shopping spree, but the magic of the day went far beyond the dollar amount. A school bus was decorated as a festive sleigh, volunteer "elves" helped guide the children, and Santa Claus made a special appearance. For many of the students, the most powerful moment came when they chose to buy gifts not just for themselves, but for parents and siblings. Even during a global crisis, generosity found a way to shine.

The impact of that first event made it clear that this effort could not end with a single Christmas. In 2021, the group officially launched Giving Hope Charity as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Over time, the founding group members moved on, and today Peach is the only original founder still actively involved. Yet the spirit and vision of the original team continue to guide the organization’s mission.

With nonprofit status came increased fundraising opportunities and greater community awareness. The number of students served quickly expanded from six to nearly 20, including children from kindergarten through 12th grade. Each year brought new stories: Some joyful, others heartbreaking that reinforced the importance of the work being done.

"Every year there are moments that tug at your heart and leave you wishing you could do more," Peach said, recalling one experience that has stayed with him. Several years ago, a homeless girl used her funds to buy clothes for a job interview, which helped her secure employment with one of the organization’s contributors who continued to support her as she worked toward independence. For Peach and the Giving Hope volunteers, moments like these reflect the organization’s deeper purpose; not simply giving gifts but helping change the direction of a young person’s life.

By 2022, Giving Hope Charity had grown into a recognized holiday tradition within the community. That year, the organization provided Christmas gifts to 20 children at the Children’s Resource Center (CRC) and expanded its shopping spree to 36 students, each receiving $250. The signature reindeer-themed bus returned once again, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere that children eagerly anticipated. Time and again, volunteers watched as students carefully selected presents for loved ones, reinforcing the values of kindness and gratitude.

In 2023, the charity expanded further, increasing the amount each child received to $300. The growth reflected not only successful fundraising, but also the strong trust the community had placed in Giving Hope Charity’s leadership and mission.

That growth has carried into 2025, marking one of the organization’s most impactful years to date. This past Saturday, Giving Hope Charity continued its long-standing holiday tradition by providing Christmas gifts to 38 elementary students. The event was made possible through the support of approximately 80 to 90 volunteers, each playing a hands-on role in creating a memorable experience. Every student was paired with two volunteers who helped them shop for themselves and their families, while others assisted with feeding the children and handling event set-up and tear-down to ensure the day ran smoothly from beginning to end. Altogether, Giving Hope Charity will support approximately 86 students this year across elementary, middle, and high schools, reaching children at multiple stages of their educational journey.

Beyond holiday giving, the organization has expanded its mission to include career readiness and long-term support. Eight students from the Knox County Career Center will receive financial assistance to help cover the cost of specialized equipment required for their chosen career paths. For welding students, this may include items such as protective shoes and gloves, while others may apply the funds toward training-related expenses. Students can receive up to $250 for these costs, and in previous years Giving Hope Charity has also helped cover drivers’ education classes; further removing barriers to independence and future success.

Peach believes the organization’s growth became truly evident during its third year. 

"I think the realization of what Giving Hope's potential came about the third year," he said. "After the first year we decided that we really wanted to keep it going. We were hoping to raise money to help 12 students in the second year. Through a lot of effort, we were able to raise enough to support 19 students. The third-year fundraising became easier, because people knew who we were."

As the years passed, the stories shared by students and families made it impossible to slow down. "Looking back at the students we have helped over the years and hearing some of their stories that they shared with us, meant we had to keep working to give us the ability to help more children,” Peach said. "We strive to make a difference in their lives. Hopefully helping to understand that whatever your circumstances, there are people out there who care."

That message is central to Giving Hope Charity’s mission. Peach hopes every child leaves the experience feeling valued and supported. "My true hope is that the students that we take shopping understand that there are people in our communities that care about them and want them to succeed in life," he said. "Our hope is that this may help them change their future. As a community we need to leave the world a better place."

Beyond the holiday season, Giving Hope Charity works year-round to support children. The organization operates a converted book bus, made possible in part through grants from The Knox County Foundation. Seats were removed and shelving installed, allowing volunteers to distribute free books to children at summer events and community locations. Each year, approximately 500 to 1,000 books are given away, encouraging literacy and learning.

Grant support has played a vital role in the organization’s growth. The Knox County Foundation has provided several grants that helped purchase the bus and books. United Way assisted with stockings for the Children’s Resource Center last year, and a grant from the Ariel Foundation helped fund bus repairs and improvements. Aside from these grants, all other funding comes directly from donations made by individuals, businesses, and community groups who believe in the mission.

Giving Hope Charity also operates the Kid Zone at the annual Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival, creating a fun and safe environment for children and families to enjoy the event together.

As Giving Hope Charity looks ahead, its leaders emphasize that community involvement remains the foundation of everything they do. Those interested in donating can visit https://www.givinghopecharity.org/. For more information about volunteering or supporting the organization, individuals may contact Peach at 740-504-4576 or by email at givinghopeknoxcountyohio@gmail.com.

From a single idea to a county-wide effort sustained by volunteers, donors, and the dedication of its remaining founder, Giving Hope Charity stands as proof that compassion can grow into lasting change. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the hardest times, hope can be built one child, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.