Christmas in July
July 12-13 / July 19-20
This year, we will be collecting items for welcome kits for The Centers’ H.O.P.E. Campus™, formerly Cleveland Christian Home. For over 120 years, this organization has been a haven of hope for children facing crisis and trauma. From residential treatment to family and individual counseling, the H.O.P.E. Campus™ works to keep children close to home and on a path toward healing.
The Cleveland H.O.P.E Campus’ primary focus for Christmas in July is gathering items for welcome kits for the children. The wish list includes:
| 🎁 | Individual or travel-size hygiene products: lotion, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and deodorant (for both boys and girls) |
| 🎁 | Underwear (panties and boxer briefs) in the following sizes: Children Sizes: Large and X-Large Adult Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2XL |
| 🎁 | Plain white t-shirts in the following sizes for decorating Children Sizes: Large and X-Large Adult Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2XL |
| 🎁 | Sweatpants or athletic shorts in the following sizes: Children Sizes: Large and X-Large Adult Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2XL |
| 🎁 | House shoes or slippers |
| 🎁 | Shower shoes |
| 🎁 | Sanitary napkins |
| 🎁 | Art supplies (paints, art paper, etc.) |
| 🎁 | LEGO kits |
| 🎁 | Appropriate graphic tee’s |
| 🎁 | Posters (for decorating their rooms) |
A Ray of Hope
The founding of Cleveland Christian Home in 1900 marked the beginning of a legacy of care, when Rev. Henry Timme, a pastor in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), took in a family of children left on his doorstep. Word spread quickly that Rev. Timme’s home was a safe haven for children, and soon other abandoned or orphaned children followed. In 1905, Rev. Timme moved the orphanage to the Bosworth farm on Lorain Avenue, where the home expanded to care for 60 children. His vision and compassion laid the foundation for what is now The Centers’ H.O.P.E. Campus™, a continuation of that safe haven for children who need it most.
For over a century, Cleveland Christian Home has been a beacon of care and refuge for children in crisis. Today, we proudly continue that legacy under a new name, The Centers’ H.O.P.E. Campus™, reflecting our commitment to evolve, innovate, and tackle the most pressing challenges facing child welfare today.
The name H.O.P.E. is not just symbolic; it is deeply rooted in The Centers’ mission and tagline: “Health, Family, Work, and Hope.” The first three represent the pillars of our integrated care—health and wellness, family support, and workforce development. Now, H.O.P.E. serves as the fourth pillar, directly connecting to our youth residential services and reinforcing our commitment to supporting children who need stability, healing, and a path to a brighter future.
The child placement crisis in Cuyahoga County has placed unimaginable strain on families, children, and the systems designed to protect them. For too long, children in county custody have been left without the stability they need, often sent out of state, far from the communities they know. These displacements not only interrupt their recovery but also weaken the vital ties to their families, schools, and support networks.
At The Centers’ H.O.P.E. Campus™, we are dedicated to solving this crisis by providing a continuum of care that ensures children remain close to home while receiving the specialized treatment they need. Together with our county partners, we are leading the charge to redefine child welfare, creating a new model for the nation that prioritizes community connection, stability, and long-term outcomes.