Serendipity plays out in such beautiful ways. This time, the orchestra played its parts in Logan, Ohio. Hocking Hills is a huge destination for over six million visitors a year. Hiking, kayaking, rappelling, boating, and relaxing are just some of the reasons so many travel to the area.
During the summer of 2022, I came across the downtown store, Gifts That Give Back. I loved the concept behind this fairtrade business and obviously loved what they represented. A small seed was planted that if I found a lodging facility that gave back, I could include this store in the voluntourism itinerary.
Fast forward to March 2023, when Debbie, the owner of two cabins in the Hocking Hills, hosted me for a Bountiful Blessings promo. By staying in her home, I had firsthand experience and information on all the ways that a guest’s stay helps support various non-profits.
The plan was building.
Later this spring, a coworker and I were talking about travel ideas. She mentioned that some of her friends would like to get together in the Hocking Hills and do some projects to give back, but they didn’t really know what that would look like.
Bingo!
From that conversation, additional loose ends began connecting and a Voluntourism Itinerary was born.
Volunteering in the Hocking Hills
A collaboration between our attendees and the local food bank started off our Hocking Hills Voluntourism Retreat. A huge shipment had been delivered to the warehouse the day before our visit. (we’re talking several pallets of food!) Our job was to bag all of it for the following day’s pickup. Prior to the start of our job, the food bank’s coordinator gave us a comprehensive tour of the facility sharing data on its usage and the multi-county needs that it helps to alleviate. The need for food is great, and although it can’t be met 100%, these hard-working individuals do their best to get as much food assistance out there as possible.
Three stations were set up with 2-3 women working each station. Complementary foods (ex: spaghetti noodles and spaghetti sauce) were bagged together and placed in massive bins.
The ladies had a great time chatting while they worked. Everyone knew someone in the group, but no one knew everyone. Old friendships were rekindled, and new ones were emerging.
Statistical Recap
At closing time, we had hundreds of bags of food organized and ready for the next day’s distribution. Here are the numbers that came through the next day for food.
In total, 243 families were served. (These families consisted of 565 individuals. 162 are children. 298 are adults with 196 being of senior age.)
These numbers seem impressive, but they are only a tiny fraction of the year’s work. Overall, approximately 5 million pounds of food are distributed annually from this facility. It serves 10 surrounding counties which have 65 smaller food pantries among them. Additionally, Meals on Wheels operates out of this facility and is fortunate to have a large industrial kitchen that helps make food preparation all the easier.
It was an honor for us to be able to help both the pantry’s employees by lightening their workload and to know, ultimately, we are helping the residents of Hocking County.
Southeast Ohio Food Bank 1005 Cic Dr. Logan, OH 43138
Hocking Hills Voluntourism Heads Downtown
After our work was completed at the pantry, we headed downtown to Gifts That Give Back. The owner was out of town, but she was able to FaceTime us and share her amazing journey with our group. Her ‘store’ started out in her living room and has expanded to this brick-and-mortar location, a mobile camper unit and a huge winter vendor market. It’s so inspiring and invigorating!
The ladies were able to shop for a few minutes before the store closed. It’s such a feel-good purchase and the items are all so unique. You just know the recipient is going to love it!
Gifts That Give Back 66 E. Main St. Logan, OH 43138
Hocking Hills Voluntourism Heads to the Cabin
By this time, our appetites were beginning to grow. We headed to the Notestone Cabin where everyone could pick a room to call theirs for the night.
As with all of my voluntourism trips, meals are included so attendees don’t have to worry about the expense, or the prep. Dinner was made for everyone in attendance, and we were able to share our meal around a large table with a gorgeous Hocking Hills view outside the picture windows. Bring on laughter and storytelling!
Bags of Blessings
After we were thoroughly stuffed, dishes were cleaned, and the table transformed into a workspace for additional ways to give back. First up, Bags of Blessings. These gallon size bags are filled with items that are much needed for those living on the streets. No, they are not going to fix the homeless situation, but they can lighten the pain and let that person know they are seen and cared for. The bags can be kept in the car for easy distribution when you see a homeless person in need.
This is what was packed into each bag.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Lotion
- Comb
- Razor
- Chapstick
- Washcloth
- Gum
- Hard candy
- Granola bar
- Water
- Bandaid
- Small Bible
- Note of encouragement
Fleece Blankets
After assembling the bags, we got out our shipment of fleece from My Very Own Blanket. This non-profit cuts a piece of fleece and sews on a patch that can be personalized for the recipient. Our job is to cut fringe on the ends and tie them into knots. The final step is to write a short note on the label. These blankets are given to local Job & Family Services to distribute to children in foster care.
My Very Own Blanket found that many children in the foster care system have nothing to call their own as they move from one home to another.
You can purchase your own blankets by contacting My Very Own Blanket, in Westerville, Ohio. They can be picked up or shipped anywhere in the United States.
Lodging that gives back
While cutting and socializing, we were able to hear Debbie’s story on how her love of giving back has been the navigating force when setting up her two Hocking Hills lodging destinations.
When you stay at either the Notestone Cabin (as we did), which sleeps 12, or their larger home, the Woodland Lodge, which sleeps 20, a long list of nonprofits benefit.
Amenities such as soap, coffee, sheets, towels, toilet paper, plates, glasses and lightbulbs all have a bigger impact than just their intended use. The owners also use the night’s proceeds to help sponsor a child through Compassion International. At the end of your stay, you are able to choose one of three selected organizations to receive a 5% donation. Our group chose the Special Olympics.
Although the cabin boasts a variety of games in the basement, and a hot tub outside, our group ended up having a great time swapping stories and getting to know each other by just sitting around the table. Food, fellowship and tons of laughter.
The next day our group dispersed at different times to head to appointments or to explore the Hocking Hills trails.
Overall, it was a great opportunity to give back, feel the encouragement of others, and expand our friendships. The ladies may have been from four different states but we now all share a united connection.
Notestone Cabin Laurelville, Ohio 43135
Hocking Hills Voluntourism Gives Back
Here is a list of the organizations/individuals that benefitted from our time in the Hocking Hills and/or help contribute financially to also support a bigger mission:
- Southeast Ohio Food Bank
- Gifts That Give Back global artisans
- My Very Own Blanket
- The homeless
- Who Gives a Crap
- Special Olympics/St. Jude Children’s Research/Columbus Humane Society
- Yised from Columbia (Children’s International)
- Torke Family Coffee Roasters
- Sb Soapbox
- Standard Textile
- Sleeptone
- Corelle
- Anchor Hocking
Hocking Hills Voluntourism Reviews
This is a text from one of the participants. It warms my heart to know those who traveled from several hours away had such a great experience.
“I wanted to thank you again for setting up the charity retreat. I really needed the time away and it was so refreshing to meet new women and encourage me to help others, outside of my immediate community.” -Kellie B.
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