As a part of our Shaken Initiative, we have identified 3 BOLD MOVES White Oak is focused on over the next 2 years. As part of our Bold Hope move, we desire to allocate $250,000 to reimagine how we might utilize our Colerain campus building for Kingdom impact in our community. While we are still exploring and dreaming about what that will ultimately look like we continue to foster community partnerships that help accomplish that goal. Nate’s Toybox is one of those community partners that is making Kingdom impact in our community. Below is a message from Gary Schroeder, (White Oak partner and founder of Nate’s Toybox) on how Nate’s Toybox partnership with White Oak is helping them accomplish their mission.
Nate's Toy Box was established in 2006 as a tribute to Nathan Schroeder, who had a deep connection to White Oak Christian Church. Following his untimely death in 2005, the organization was founded with the mission of enriching the childhood experiences of children in the Northwest Local School District area. Initially focused on providing toys during Christmas for families served by SON Ministries, Nate's Toy Box expanded its reach over the years to include families identified by the school district and local agencies facing crisis situations such as foster care, domestic issues, and homelessness.
Recognizing the growing number of families in need and the shift toward year-round assistance, Nate's Toy Box realized the importance of having a permanent space for collecting and storing items. White Oak Christian Church played a vital role by providing a dedicated space, allowing the organization to meet the needs of the community and offer hope and encouragement throughout the year. Through the support of individuals, businesses, and churches, Nate's Toy Box offers blankets, hygiene products, books, games, comfort items, and toys to families in need.
In 2022, Nate's Toy Box served 663 children from 232 families in Colerain Township during Christmas. The organization relies on the dedication of over 100 volunteers who come together to assist with the distribution. Additionally, middle and high school students from White Oak and the wider community participate, gaining valuable volunteer experience and contributing to the cause. In the past year, Nate's Toy Box supported 50 children from 18 crisis-stricken families, providing items that brightened their lives and fostered a mindset of hope and readiness for school.
The space provided by White Oak Christian Church not only facilitates storage and organization but also creates a safe and secure location for day-to-day donations and preparation activities. Most importantly, it serves to express love and bring the word of God to those in the community who may be unaware of the hope, joy, and peace found in Jesus.
I’m so grateful to partner with the Schroeder’s and their shared vision of equipping people to love and being on mission right here in Colerain Township! This message of love is lived out every day as Nate’s Toy Box supports children and families in crisis, making a significant impact on the community through their dedicated volunteers, partnerships with local organizations, and the provision of essential items. I’m so thankful for White Oak’s generosity to ministries like Nate’s Toybox. Know that you are making real kingdom impact through your gifts.
