Gift of Hope

Gift of Hope serves families that find their self in less than ideal circumstances and provides them essentials and pathways to independence.

Current Director: Jennifer Costello. Gift of Hope has developed different programs for specific needs of Taney County families. The “Christmas Share” program assists disadvantaged families in Taney County, primarily throughout the holiday season by identifying their needs and customizing support for families to become self-reliant. Gift of Hope's "Backpack Club" recognizes the need for children in

school to have proper nutrition in order to be physically and psychologically prepared for a learning environment. A backpack of nutritious food is sent home on Fridays for children to eat through the weekend. The Backpack Club furnishes food for over 1,200 children each week during the school year. The following schools participate in the program: Branson, Hollister, Forsyth, Kirbyville, Taneyville, Bradleyville, Mark Twain, Riverview Baptist Christian School, and Trinity Christian Academy. The "Scholarship" program has helped numerous Forsyth High School graduates go on to an institution of higher learning. The mission of the scholarship program is to help further their education by providing a source of financial relief during the college years. Through our "Cent of Pride" program (an extension of the Backpack Club), we provide food, bedding accessories, pillows, blankets, hygiene products, and more to Forsythia Middle and High school in a store-like shopping setting. Older students who may find a stigma or embarrassment that comes along with receiving a backpack of food, can actually "shop" for similar items to the backpack club but with added essentials needed for their age. They are able to shop using Pride Bucks gained and awarded for a variety of reasons through the school faculty and teachers. Gift of Hope is currently raising funds to expand two area: providing around 150-200 more backpacks at Hollister Elementary and Middle School and the reach of the backpack club and to put more Cents of Pride stores in schools beyond just Forsyth. Help fund our vision by going to http://giftofhopeinc.org/donate

Current Director:Jennifer Costello

02/18/2026

💘 Pro tip: After-Valentine’s Day sales are GOLD for our Cents of Pride stores!

One of my favorite ways to stretch grant funding is shopping smart — and who wouldn’t love a pizza blanket 🍕 or a chocolate chip cookie blanket 🍪 when they need a little comfort or encouragement at school?

These fun, cozy finds will be heading into our Cents of Pride stores, thanks to support from the Skaggs Foundation, helping us stock meaningful rewards that make kids feel seen, special, and proud.

Sometimes it’s the little things (and a good sale 😉) that make a big difference 💕

12/18/2025

Today I had my favorite little elf with me while picking up donated toys from Dollar General in Hollister 🎄❤️
This is the very first year they’ve partnered with us, and we are so incredibly grateful for their generosity and heart for our community.
These gifts will help make Christmas brighter for local children — and that means everything.

12/17/2025

My heart is so full standing with this incredible group. 🎄❤️ The generosity of the Wyndham employees never ceases to amaze me. Year after year, their toy drive brings so much joy and hope to children in our community. A heartfelt thank-you to Joe Alkire and the Wyndham team for their continued support, and an extra special thank-you to our board member Joseph Pokorski, whose dedication and heart make this possible year after year. We are beyond grateful for a community that shows up with so much love.

12/16/2025

And that’s a wrap on Christmas shopping for this year 🎄❤️
Today we shopped with our final family of the season through our Christmas Share program. We take a select number of families shopping to provide not only Christmas gifts, but also essential items they may need during this time.
For privacy reasons, we don’t share photos of the families — but please know this cart represents so much love, dignity, and hope. So grateful for our community that makes moments like this possible.

12/11/2025

So grateful for our friends at the Clay Cooper Theatre! ❤️ For years, their incredible toy drive has helped make Christmas brighter for children in Taney County. Clay, your generosity and heart for our community mean more than you know. Thank you for helping bring hope and joy to so many families this season. 🎄✨

12/02/2025

Today is Giving Tuesday — a day centered around generosity, gratitude, and community. 💛
If you’ve ever wondered what Gift of Hope really does, this video offers a glimpse into the children, families, and stories that drive our mission every day.

Behind every backpack, toy, scholarship, or utility bill paid is a real child… a real family… and a moment of hope made possible because people like you care.

Whether you watch, share, pray, volunteer, donate, or simply cheer us on — thank you for standing with us.
Together, we make life a little brighter for Taney County families. 💛✨

11/27/2025

So thankful for the incredible community that surrounds Gift of Hope. Because of you, local children and families will have a brighter holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡

11/21/2025

Today was such a special day. 🧡🦃

One of our board members, Joseph Pokorski, my son, and I had the privilege of delivering turkeys and potatoes to several deserving families for Thanksgiving.

These meals were donated by ADM employees, whose generosity made it possible for families in our community to enjoy a warm holiday dinner next week. We are so grateful for their kindness and support!

Moments like these remind us why Gift of Hope exists — to serve, uplift, and make sure families feel seen and supported during the holidays.

Thank you, Joseph, and thank you to every ADM employee who helped make this possible. 🧡
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

11/19/2025

Today was such a joyful day for Gift of Hope! 💛
We were honored to receive a $7,950 grant from the Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation, presented through Central Trust.

This generous support goes directly to our Backpack Food Program, helping us provide weekend meals to children in our local schools who would otherwise face hunger.

Thank you to the Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation for believing in our mission and helping us continue feeding and supporting kids right here in our community. We are truly grateful! 🧡🎒✨

11/11/2025

Today, we honor all who have served. 🇺🇸

Gift of Hope is deeply grateful for the bravery, sacrifice, and service of our veterans — and for the freedoms we are blessed to enjoy because of them.

To all veterans and military families in our community and across the nation, thank you for your courage and commitment. 💜

11/10/2025

Our hearts are full of gratitude today. 💜

We’re so inspired by the incredible local businesses coming together to make sure no child goes hungry in our community. Their kindness, compassion, and generosity truly capture the spirit of the Ozarks.

At Gift of Hope, our mission is to help meet the needs of children and families through programs like our Weekend Backpack Food Program — providing food for students when school isn’t in session. While we aren’t affiliated with these restaurant initiatives, we’re deeply moved by everyone stepping up to care for local kids in their own way.

Thank you to every business, volunteer, and neighbor making a difference for children and families across Taney County and the Ozarks. Together, we’re spreading hope — one meal, one act of kindness at a time. 💜

11/07/2025

Feeling so thankful after last week’s special moment! 💜
Gift of Hope received several Skaggs Legacy Endowment Grants to support our Cents of Pride School Stores, which teach students responsibility, kindness, and the joy of giving while helping meet their everyday needs.

Big thanks to the Skaggs Foundation for continuing to invest in local programs that make a difference — and to my favorite little volunteer for coming along to help accept the award! 🥰

Address

15366 US/160
Forsyth, MO
65653

Telephone

+14175468062

Website

http://giftofhopeinc.org/

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