About | MIRACLE

The Journey of The Miracle on Long Street

In the year 2000, the St. Paul Players Drama Ministry introduced a live outdoor Nativity re-enactment featuring actors, camels, donkeys, and a few goats. While the production was a meaningful and creative expression of the Christmas story, we observed that many attendees lacked warm clothing and would benefit from a simple act of kindness—like a hot bowl of homemade soup and a sandwich.

THUS THE MIRACLE ON LONG STREET WAS BORN

Birthed out of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Ohio, the Miracle on Long Street began as an outreach effort to provide essential items such as food, clothing, household goods, toiletries, toys, and school supplies.

For more than two decades, we have dedicated our time, energy, and resources to passionately support individuals and families facing hunger and life’s unexpected challenges. Through partnerships with local, state, and national organizations, we continue to fund monthly food distributions, back-to-school drives, and our annual Miracle on Long Street Holiday Giveaway.

Thank you for being the miracle in the Miracle on Long Street

Each year, we embrace greater responsibilities and deeper commitments—and each year, you continue to meet the moment with unwavering dedication. This journey has never been about one individual; it has always been a shared mission, powered by the strength of a unified team.

It takes the collective talents, skills, and generosity of each of you to coordinate and execute the many essential tasks that allow us to support those facing life’s unexpected challenges. For that, I am profoundly grateful.

To every individual—far too many to name—who gives their time, energy, vehicles, and resources: thank you. Whether you are making grocery runs, distributing flyers, organizing fundraisers, preparing meals, cleaning, printing, balancing the books, purchasing supplies, attending meetings, applying for grants, managing volunteers, setting up and tearing down events, waxing floors, removing trash, breaking down boxes, managing inventory, making sandwiches, or simply brewing coffee—YOU are the heartbeat of The Miracle on Long Street.

Because of your commitment, our goals are within reach. Because of your service, lives are transformed. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in this mission and for trusting The Miracle on Long Street to always act with integrity and purpose.

With deepest gratitude,
JoAnne Roots
Executive Director Miracle on Long Street

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