I hope this message finds you well. My name is Heather Ray, and I am honored to serve as the Executive Director of Appalachian Outreach, Inc. (AOI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to easing the burden of poverty in Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel counties in West Virginia.
As we welcome 2025, we reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made together and look forward to continuing our mission in the new year. Since our founding, AOI has supported our community by providing essential items and resources to individuals and families in need. In 2024, we helped over 42,000 people and partnered with schools and organizations to distribute monthly hygiene items to those who need them most. Every single week, we assist two families with items from our thrift store, including furniture such as couches and chairs, and everything they need to furnish their homes. Additionally, we typically assist at least eight other families each week with smaller items from the thrift store, all provided free of charge to our voucher clients. These items include clothing, pots and pans, utensils, blankets, coffee makers, toasters, and more.
Through the generosity of supporters like you, we operate a thrift store in Wheeling, where proceeds directly support our programs. Donations—whether monetary or in-kind—enable us to meet the growing needs of our neighbors with compassion and dignity.
We invite you to consider AOI as a place to invest your resources. Your support can help us expand our reach and continue serving those who rely on us.
I’d be happy to meet with you to discuss how you can partner with AOI to make an impact in our community.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Together, we can help ease the burden of poverty and build a brighter future for those in need. Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year filled with hope and prosperity.
Thrift Store Address:
3900 Wood Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
Office Address:
PO Box 6761
Wheeling, WV 26003
