About
Hannah's Treasure Chest was founded by Angela Addington in 2001 when she recognized a definite need for children's items within non-profits in the Miami Valley area. With no other resource, Angela and her friends began collecting and distributing children's items in their spare time. Collection and donation requests became so numerous that a formal organization was needed. With the help and assistance of LexisNexis and the support of the community, Hannah's Treasure Chest was born.
Hannah's Treasure Chest began it's 501c3 application process in April of 2001 with an original advisory committee of Angela Addington, Claudia Stahl, Craig Stahl and numerous other friends who influenced the organization to become a non-profit corporation. With the assistance of employees at LexisNexis, an attorney was hired to help form the corporation, define the bylaws and complete the 501c3 application. A fiscal agent was sought, and Franklin Area Community Services graciously agreed to become the sponsor for Hannah's Treasure Chest for a year.
In March 2002, Hannah's Treasure Chest’s 501c3 application was submitted to the IRS. Seven weeks later Hannah’s Treasure Chest became a freestanding non-profit corporation recognized by the IRS. The Executive Committee was formed to include two Vice-Chairs, one Secretary, one Treasurer and four Board Members.
From 2001 until April of 2002, Hannah’s Treasure Chest operated under the umbrella of Franklin Area Community Services and distributed 2898 articles of clothing, furniture and toys. Hannah's Treasure Chest began with two partners: one in Warren County and one in Montgomery County. Upon reaching the freestanding non-profit corporation status, Hannah's Treasure Chest had over 18 partners in seven counties: Butler, Clinton, Greene, Hamilton, Highland, Montgomery and Warren.
In April 2002, due to an expounding growth rate and request for services from additional agencies in the Miami Valley, the Board of Directors nominated and accepted new Board members to form a 15 member Board.
As of July 10, 2002 Hannah’s Treasure Chest served seven counties and 24 partner agencies.
In September 2002, Hannah’s Treasure Chest added additional partners expanding coverage to nine counties and over 30 partner agencies.
In 2003 a partner review was initiated and services were limited to Warren and Montgomery Counties only. Partnership was extended to 38 social service agencies, churches and schools. 4965 children were served during this calendar year with an additional 854 being extended assistance during the holiday season.
In 2004 additional partners were added, including 2 agencies in Butler county, bringing the agencies serviced by Hannah’s Treasure Chest to just over 50. These 50 agencies include approximately 472 social workers, family advocates, counselors and pastors who rely on Hannah’s Treasure Chest for clothing, furniture and toys for their clients.
In 2005, Hannah’s Treasure Chest hit a major milestone distributing over 10,000 carepackages in just one year’s time. This was accomplished on an operating budget of only $30,000 and no paid staff.
Seeking to move to a larger building, Hannah’s Treasure Chest hosted its first annual fundraising event, Diva’s Day Out, in March of 2006. This event was quite successful with 120 people in attendance and raising nearly $7500. In 2006, Hannah’s Treasure Chest moved to its new location on Westpark Road. This location quadrupled the warehouse space to 4,000 square feet, allowing continued growth and a larger inventory.
Angela leads the Board in forming a 5 year plan of action for the organization. Hannah’s Treasure Chest now has many volunteers who are active in growing and sustaining the organization.