OGB: The Little Engine that Could…and does!

Operation Give Back (OGB) in Blue Ash looks from the exterior like a small operation but it makes a huge impact! For 20 years they have been serving the community in an increasing number of ways proportionate to the need increasing all around us.

In 2025, their food pantry served 5,350 people. That number does not include emergency food bags, food bags distributed during SNAP benefit issue, bread bundles, Thanksgiving meals or snacks for the tutoring program. Due to the shortage of food available, clients are only allowed to come once a month. St Barnabas members have volunteered in the food pantry for many years. Additionally, we have a food drive each summer at St B and lend financial support as well for meat and products that are harder to secure.

Tutoring is a primary focus for OGB and they averaged 51 students for spring and fall of 2025. They are always looking for more tutors! The tutoring is coordinated seamlessly between OGB and the teachers knowing where the greatest need is.

890 Backpacks and supplies were given away. What a blessing for a child to start the new school year with all the supplies you need just like the other children sitting beside you. Annually, St Barnabas has a team that helps stuff the backpacks with supplies and generally contributes to the cost of buying supplies.

As cold weather approaches, OGB has a coat giveaway. In 2025, 715 coats were distributed. Many of those were donations of gently used coats from St B parishioners.

Their Holiday Store is epic especially considering the small physical space they have. In 2025, 965 children filled out a wish list and received a number of gifts that their parents could not have provided without community assistance. Additionally, another 455 children received 2 gifts each from the Holiday Store.

OGB sponsors two major fundraisers each year: A Spring Luncheon and a Golf Outing. St B is a sponsor at each of these events.

If you would like to be a volunteer for any of the activities that St B supports, please contact Martha Seagram or Beth Magner on Realm.

OGB is located off Creek Rd at 19891 Millington Court in an unassuming strip plaza. They always welcome a visitor to come and see their facility in person and have a tour; however, advance notice is appreciated to make sure the timing works.

Interested in volunteering at Operation Give Back?