Hope Hub: Resource Center Serves Community Needs

As Jake’s continues to expand its reach in the community, we’re excited by the network of partners coming out of the woodwork - and all the great work we can do together.

Our partners are 501c3 nonprofits, faith-based or school-based organizations serving individuals in need because of a variety of circumstances, from financial struggles to foster care, cancer patients and more.

“Jake’s is a wonderful opportunity to expand the impact we make because it’s one-stop shopping at 20% of retail or even less,” said Deb, of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, and an active community partner. “We’ve actually encouraged our people to give money instead, because we’ve got people who will do shopping (for donated goods). There’s just so many opportunities.”

Over the holiday break, when Oshkosh School District Food service was closed, their program fed children at several locations within the district and during the last they distributed shoes, underwear, socks and hygiene products from Jakes. 

“What fun it was to see the children so thrilled to receive such beautiful, NEW items,” Deb said. 

Other examples of Oshkosh area churches that partnered to serve the community include: 

• First Presbyterian Church in Oshkosh:  Stocked personal care items, hygiene items, mittens, hats, socks all purchased from Jake’s.

• St. Andrews Lutheran - Oshkosh: Hosted a children’s fair to give out toys, provided books to literacy groups.

• First English Lutheran - Oshkosh: Sourced items such as coats, books - feed hungry kids in the summer and we did a toy give away - we had the games that we gave. 

“Thank you for what you do,”  said Patricia of First Presbyterian Church, “so we can do what we do.”

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As the year comes to a close, its a great time to reflect on all the good that has gone on during 2021. We've heard from so many parents, families and organizations positively impacted through our programs - all fueled by your ongoing support.

Year to date through November 2021, we distributed:

• 326,369 diapers to 7,854 children in need
• 741 cloth diapers to 564 babies and children
• 88,091 period products to 4,244 girls and women
• 117,828 adult incontinence products to 4,450 adults in need 
• and more than 60,000 daily essential living items were distributed to partners for charitable purpose. 

Here's a few quotes from the people positively served throughout the year.

“Diapers are expensive and often hard to find in Uganda, especially for older children. Jake’s help has allowed us to spend money on other important things. Our kids are much happier and healthier when they have clean, functioning diapers to rely on. Opening a box of diapers from Jake’s feels like opening presents on Christmas. It’s a relief to know that something so important is taken care of. We are extremely grateful for Jake’s help!”
— Alyssa McIntyre of Ekisa Ministries 

“Partnering with Jake’s Network of Hope has been a blessing to us and the families we serve. We are now able to offer diapers and period products to all of our families. These are families who are struggling to get by and these items can be expensive and are needed on a day to day or month to month basis, so receiving them each month helps alleviate some financial burden. We are truly grateful for the support of donors and organizations like Jake’s!”
— Angela Klumb, The Giving Tree Food Pantry supervisor

“Jakes is a wonderful opportunity to expand the impact we make because its one-stop shopping at 20% of retail or even less. We’ve actually encouraged our people to give money instead of shopping. There’s just so many opportunities.”
— Deb Stephany, Our Savior Oshkosh/Feeding Hungry Kids

This summer I was given a toy for each of my 4 kids from Jake’s Unplug and Play donation. My kids were so excited to receive a board game, Legos and basketball. Our oldest wanted a basketball for his birthday so that worked out great. Our money has been tight, it was so nice to see my kids smile. I am thankful that people donate and care about us.
— Kim, product recipient 

"My family has lived on a small budget the past couple of years and the pandemic definitely hurt us. My husband’s job was essential but I had to quit my job to stay home with our 3 children due to schools not being in person 5 days a week and daycare not available. We have been using a food pantry for staple foods but were also offered diapers and personal hygiene products. I was so thankful to get diapers, this helps us put that money towards our rent. We are trying very hard to pay our bills and know that we are blessed by people around us. Thank you Jake’s!"                 
 — Tracy,  product recipient