WHAT DO WE HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH?

To provide those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness the resources they need to address their problems and rebuild their lives. We supply items to help them get through the winter months such as winter hats, jackets, gloves, blankets, toiletries, socks, etc., and agencies provide information on additional resources for those in need.

OUR GOAL:

Event Information
2026 An Open Letter to The Public

2026 Vendor/Community Partner Invite

2026 Athens Area Stand Down Flyer

Vendor Tables/Chairs are Back!

We are having information tables back this year! The Registration link is at the top of this page. We will provide tables and chairs this year.

No Buses Allowed

Due to Flu concerns, for our safety and for the safety of our participants no buses are permitted.

Money Donations

Any amounts are appreciated! Please make checks payable to “Athens Area Stand Down” and mail to:

Kathy Hecht, Treasurer

Athens Area Stand Down

94 Second Street

Athens, OH 45701

Athens Area Stand Down (officially known as Athens Area Stand Down Association of Ohio) is a Non-Profit 501(C)(3) organization. Your donation may be deductible as the law permits.

Volunteer & Service Provider

If you wish to donate several of a particular items (e.g. 50 pairs of socks), volunteer to help, or are a service provider wishing to set up a table, please Registering Here!

Thanks to the many who again have committed to our event including

Athens County Fair Board - Event Space

Rocky Boots - BOOTS!

Lutheran Social Services - 2 Pallets of Food

Athens Elks - 20 Winter Coats/Hats/Gloves

Edward Jones - 20 Hats/Gloves

Bobcat Battalion - Event Support

O.U. Patton College of Education - Lunch

Court Street Coffee

OU Heritage Foundation Mobile Unit

Athens City/County Health Department

Veterans Administration - Tent/Bags

Athens Sport Cycles - Side by Side

Athens Township Trustees - Traffic Cones

HIGH-DEMAND ITEMS

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

DONATING ITEMS?

ITEMS REQUESTED

You do not need to purchase all requested items in a single category. Every contribution is helpful. The following items are needed in 2026:

2026 Donors Providing

Athens County Fair Board - Event Grounds

Rocky Boots - 100 pairs of Boots

LSS - Pallet of Food

Athens Lions Club 126 Pairs of Socks

Edward Jones 20 knit hats and pairs of gloves

OU Patton School of Education - Lunch

Athens Elks #973 - Winter COats/Hats/Gloves

50 hand warmers
25 blankets
50 small flashlights with batteries (or solar flashlights preferred)
50 small blankets
50 First Aid Kits
75 washcloths
75 hand towels
75 Bath towels
75 (6-load) laundry detergent boxes (No big bottles please - they need to be able to carry them where ever they go
25 Small sunscreen SPF 8 and above
25 Chapstick
25 packs of sanitizer wipes
Toilet Paper rolls (100)

For Men:

20 L Men's Winter Coats
20 XL Men's Winter Coats
20 2XL Men's Winter Coats
5 3XL Men's Winter Coats
2 4XL Men's Winter Coats
25 pairs of Men's L winter gloves
25 Pair Men's XL winter gloves
3 in 1 men’s body wash (50)
Razors 2-3 per bag (100)
Shave Cream 50
Deodorant (50)
6 load Tide or other laundry soap (150)
Men’s Gloves (75)
Men’s Hats (50)

For Women:

15 pairs Womens M Gloves
15 pair Womens L Gloves

10 M Women's Winter Coats
10 L Women's Winter Coats
20 XL Women's Winter Coats
20 XXL Women's Winter Coats
Razors (80) Get Large packs and break up
Shave Cream (40)
Deodorant (20)
Tampons (50)
Body Wash (40)
Shampoo (40)
Small Flashlights (40)
Women’s Hats (40)
Women’s Gloves (40)
Women’s Socks (80 pairs)

For Small Children:

Kids Shampoo/Body Wash (25)
Crayons and coloring books (25)
Pairs of Kids Socks (65)
Kids Hats (25)
Kids Gloves (25)
Bags for the above (25)

WHY HOST A STAND DOWN?

Athens Area Stand Down is a volunteer driven event. We depend on donations of time, money and resources to help combat homelessness in Athens County. Find out how you can help here.

Ten (10) Year Supporters!

A special Thank You page

to those supporting us since the beginning!

TEN Years!

LUNCH PROVIDED

Thank you to Thom Stevenson and the Ohio University Patton College of Education for donating their time, effort and resources to provide lunch again

this year!

Thanks to Court Street Coffee for providing coffee and snacks again this year!

NOTICE

Due to Flu Concerns:

- No used clothing donations are accepted.

FREE TRANSPORTATION

Bus transportation is free this day thanks in part to HAPCAP. If you are not on a bus route you can arrange a free ride. Click here for Athens on Demand info or call

(740) 597-2404 to schedule

MEDIA MENTIONS

WOUB Article

EVENT FLOW

Veterans/Participants/Volunteers enter main gate, turn left & travel outside of horse track. Cadets from OU Bobcat Battalion will direct you.
Veterans/Participants check in at the tents.
Volunteers sign in at white Jr. Fair Building (where boots are handed out)
Handicap Placard Park closest to the the track (with hang tag).
Non-veterans park in separate area as they can enter at noon. Check in at tent
A side by side will be available to transport those with limited mobility from parking to building and back
Service Providers go to top of hill and over to unload at pavilion until 9:30 am when road is closed.
Exit though fairgrounds main gate