About Hope Chest

The Hope Chest began in 1967 as a Sunday School mission & outreach program by Hope Ridge and Painesville United Methodist Churches' elementary school teachers. The program distributed donated coats and shoes to students who were missing school in bad weather because they did not have these necessary items. 

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Hope Chest started out of the trunk of a car before moving into a basement, and then into a series of "stores" in Painesville and Fairport. In 1967, The Hope Chest Inc. was incorporated with by-laws and Board Board of Trustee members and officers. Today, Hope Chest is operated by a group of 60 active volunteers, including 25 Trustees representing 17 churches and organizations in Lake County. Our mission remains the same as it did 50 years ago:  To provide clean clothing and new socks, shoes and underwear to children in Lake County, so they can attend school with dignity and pride. 

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Hope Chest is a 100% volunteer-run, non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that collects new and gently used clothing, small appliances and household items to help Lake County residents of all ages. Thanks to funding and donations from individuals, local churches, businesses and community organizations, the opportunity to shop at our location is free to individuals in need. 

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​Since 2004, Hope Chest has helped serve and provide: