For nearly two decades, Comfort and Hope has been spreading kindness throughout the Mahoning Valley — delivering smiles, warmth, and encouragement to children in foster care and families facing tough times.
Founded by Wanda Marland, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization partners with nine agencies across Ohio and Pennsylvania and stays busy year-round. Each month, volunteers gather for meetings and create approximately 40 or more birthday bags and boxes for children and young adults ages 1 through 21 that have been made entirely through donations.
Additionally, Comfort and Hope prepares welcome hampers for young adults leaving foster care, providing essentials that help them start their next chapter. Throughout the year, the organization also assembles school supplies, Easter baskets, summer arts and craft bags, Halloween bags, and other seasonal gifts — all filled with love.
The mission began 20 years ago in a small church office. “I was a church secretary, and people would come in sharing their struggles — illness, loss, or life’s challenges,” Wanda recalled. “I wanted to do something that would make them feel cared for.” What started as a three-month church project making tie blankets grew quickly. In just three months, 140 blankets were created and donated. As part of Comfort & Hope the blankets continue to be given to individuals going through difficult situations such as cancer, through the present day.
That simple act of kindness became the foundation for Comfort and Hope. “When we added comfort blankets to each birthday bag, we saw how much it meant,” Wanda said. “Something as small as a blanket can remind a child they’re not alone.”
In addition to their regular work, the Direction of Eastern Ohio, Department of Aging is providing names of these children with their requested Christmas items. Comfort & Hope is seeking individuals in the community to take a child and assemble a Christmas bag for them.
“Each project reminds us why we started,” Wanda said. “It’s not just about giving things — it’s about giving hope.”
Twenty years later, Comfort and Hope continue to live up to its name — comforting hearts and inspiring others to spread kindness.
For more information or to get involved, visit Comfort & Hope on their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/comfortandhope1 or contact Wanda at birthdaybags@icloud.com.
