Elves & More of Northeast Ohio

Overview

Elves & More of Northeast Ohio is a nonprofit organization established in 2008 by co-founders Brian Miner and Tim House. The organization operates with the mission of delivering bicycles and other gifts to children in underprivileged neighborhoods across Northeast Ohio, particularly during the holiday season. Through grassroots efforts and community engagement, Elves & More has positively impacted the lives of thousands of children and families.

History

The organization was inspired by a similar initiative in Texas, which influenced Miner and House to create a local chapter. Over its 17 years of operation, Elves & More has aimed to meet the needs of children and families that are not typically addressed by other programs. It has delivered nearly 22,000 bicycles, emphasizing a focus on neighborhoods where families may lack the resources to provide holiday gifts.

Mission and Vision

Elves & More's mission is to design and implement programs that meet the needs of children in deserving neighborhoods. The organization mobilizes both financial and human resources to achieve its goals, with a specific focus on providing bicycles as gifts. The view is that a simple gift can foster positive life changes, potentially steering children away from negative life paths, including incarceration.

Community Impact

The organization has served approximately 1,000 children annually, providing gifts that symbolize hope and care during the holiday season. It has garnered substantial support from local businesses and volunteers, particularly from partners like XPO Logistics, which has played a crucial role in logistics and delivery. In 2022, Elves & More delivered 1,400 bicycles, marking the conclusion of its operational tenure in Northeast Ohio.

Operational Model

Elves & More is entirely volunteer-driven, allowing the organization to allocate a significant portion of its funds directly to the purchase of bicycles, with only a fraction going towards administrative costs. This operational model ensures that community contributions have a direct impact on the lives of the children and families it serves.

Conclusion

After 17 years of fulfilling its mission, Elves & More of Northeast Ohio announced its decision to conclude operations, expressing gratitude to all supporters and participants who contributed to its success. The legacy of the organization continues to resonate within the communities it served, embodying the spirit of giving and community support.

[1] https://www.elvesandmoreneo.org [2] https://everydayakron.com/2020/01/31/elves-and-more/ [3] https://news.xpo.com/2872/xpo-elves-more-deliver-1400-bikes-to-children-in-ohio-holiday-surprise/ [4] https://www.instagram.com/elvesandmore/ [5] https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/elves-more-of-northest-ohio,208645169/