OGB was started in 2002 in the basement of Lee and Wendy Langston. The Langstons lived in Montgomery and their children attended Sycamore Schools. A number of their children’s friends who needed homework help would take the bus to the Langston’s residence where Wendy and other volunteers would provide tutoring. Over the years, the numbers steadily grew: OGB offered support to high school students, then intermediate and junior high students before we finally included elementary students.

The expansion of OGB into multiple programs came as a result of the Langstons’ observations during these first few months. When they noticed a lack of after-school snacks and food for certain students, they created the Food Pantry initiative. Later, when they identified a lack of resources for many students returning to school, they created the Back 2 School giveaway. Lastly, the Holiday Store was born from the needs of families struggling to provide holiday gifts let alone essential items, and it now proudly serves our community during the most wonderful time of the year.