For nearly 25 years, HTC (formerly Hannah’s Treasure Chest) has been enhancing the lives of children impacted by poverty by providing care packages of children's items to families across 20 Ohio counties. Read more about the nonprofit organization in this Q&A featuring Executive Director Deanna Murphy.
What is the mission of HTC?
At its heart, HTC is focused on our mission of enriching the lives of children in need. This is the core principle that guides everything we do and informs every aspect of our operations. We are highly intentional stewards of all our resources — the in-kind donations and financial gifts we receive and the valuable time given by our volunteers. And just as importantly, we work hard every day to create a high-quality volunteer experience for everyone who supports us.
HTC has been in operation since 2001. What are some key factors that have contributed to your organization’s longevity?
I can confidently say that our volunteers are the reason we've successfully navigated the highs and lows of the past 25 years. Their dedication is truly inspiring. They approach every care package with such commitment, lovingly selecting each item with the same deep care they would show their own child.
Our volunteers' amazing work relies completely on our generous community of donors. They make it possible, either by thoughtfully passing on their children’s outgrown items or by making a financial gift. Thousands of local citizens donate their gently used items to HTC each year, giving local children so much more than clothing. They're providing dignity. It’s a powerful, tangible example of how true community collaboration creates meaningful change.
I think we've been able to stick around because we’ve really honed in on what we do best, and that's exactly what we focus on. We don't get sidetracked trying to do it all. Instead, we tap into our large network of expert partners to offer comprehensive solutions to families facing all kinds of challenges. Because collaboration is in our DNA, we know who the experts are in virtually every part of the community, and we genuinely enjoy partnering with them to achieve our shared goals.
You’ve been the executive director of HTC since 2019. What changes have you implemented, or do you have on the horizon?
A lot has shifted in our community since 2019 and at HTC. Stepping into this role, I prioritized a few core areas, such as increasing transparency at every level, streamlining processes to dramatically improve our capacity for service and guaranteeing a safe environment for everyone. Our move in 2024 to a larger professional space created a powerful lift for our programming and volunteer morale. I've assembled a team of passionate, skilled leaders — and by investing in their continuous coaching, we'll keep driving this incredible work forward. We've successfully expanded our two most vital programs (clothing and diapers) and opened an on-site thrift store to help fund our operations and leverage our volunteers' talents. Our next goals are to install an elevator in our space, increase our staff with careful design and grow our partnerships so we can reach more children across the Dayton Region.
How does The Dayton Foundation help you help others?
The Dayton Foundation has been an invaluable partner in the growth of HTC. Its support has significantly boosted our Care Package Program, thanks to the awarding of a Basic Human Needs Grant. This funding has been crucial for stocking high-demand items like car seats, strollers and high chairs, which are often in short supply through our regular donations. It also has allowed us to purchase diapers for the HTC Diaper Bank, helping to keep babies healthy and enabling families to stay on the job.
Furthermore, a discretionary grant from the Foundation helped us make essential safety and accessibility improvements to our new property. We were able to install a ramp and ADA-compliant door systems, ensuring a safer experience for our volunteers, donors and visitors. Finally, our relationship with the Foundation has provided accessible and valuable professional development opportunities right here at home, which is a resource my team and I deeply appreciate as an organization of our size.
How can other nonprofits or individuals support or connect with your organization?
We genuinely value connecting and collaborating with our fellow nonprofits and those with a passion for our mission! We believe collaboration is key to our shared success, and we welcome the opportunity to meet new friends. We invite you to reach out, visit us and explore how we can work together to improve the lives of local children.
It's easy to get involved at HTC. You can schedule a tour by calling (937) 438-5039 or emailing info@htcdayton.org, or you can learn more about our work at www.htcdayton.org. Whether you choose to volunteer, donate or partner, you're helping us enrich the lives of children in need.
Deanna Murphy, Executive Director, HTC