Community Outreach Since 1982

Community Outreach Since 1982

From Linda Lovelace – Operations Director

Greetings,

We see smiling faces everyday that we are able to provide food bags – and those smiles and good feelings are due to your efforts. We can’t thank you enough!

I am humbled by the level of commitment we receive from our dedicated volunteers and Board Members – all of whom are physically active in our organization. One client wrote, “To know that there are caring, loving people in the world is a blessing.” These volunteers come in every week all year long providing administrative support, filling food bags, serving clients, stuffing envelopes, lending an ear or shoulder to lean on, and occasionally good stern advice and direction. Another client wrote, “Thank you VCU for expanding on the lesson I was taught growing up. You are truly angels in a class your own.” They all amaze me.

Everyone in our community is facing economic challenges of higher priced food and gas. Many of you may not realize we operate the Emergency Pantry all year long to assist folks who cannot meet those challenges due to various reasons. There could be an illness, lost job or worse; loss of savings, retirement and investments. This has also effected many donors. Hopefully the situation is temporary. But we would not be able to help anyone without all of you pitching in to help Valley Churches United.

But none of this would take place without our most important component, our donors. You complete the circle of love by supporting our efforts to assist our community members in their time of need. So many of us are facing the challenge of trying to do more with less…but as our Director & Founder Annette Marcum says: “It’s up to us who have a little to give a lot to those in need who have not.” We understand the current economic climate is one of caution…none of us knows what’s next. Imagine how a single parent might feel when they are forced to choose between the increasing cost of food or keeping a roof over their heads. Some of us have been there. Seniors are facing the same challenges on fixed incomes and increased health care costs. So please, if you are able, donate what you can, when you can – whether it’s food, money or your time. I know plenty of folks who will truly appreciate it as they benefit from your generosity by receiving the basic necessity, food.

With sincere gratitude,
Linda S. Lovelace, Operations Director

Quotes from Grateful Recipients:

“Thank you for your kindness toward us Seniors. We appreciate all you do to bring joy into our lives.”

“Thank you for making us feel hope instead of feeling fearful. A fixed income ain’t for sissies.”

“I couldn’t have put this beautiful smile on my son’s face without your help – Thank you!”

“Neither child had a jacket until your gifts.”