Wow! We got off to a great start in 2023 and have been working hard every day to advance common good in our community. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we've been able to assist a large number of local people in need. At the same time, we still have two of our biggest initiatives, the 150 Beds Initiative and the Christmas Day Dinner, happening before the end of the year.
Your ongoing support is critical to our mission. We greatly appreciate your financial contributions and volunteer support of our mission. Together, we are doing some awesome things for our neighbors in need.
A LOOK AT WHAT'S HAPPENED SO FAR THIS YEAR
BEDS
In addition to our annual 150 Beds for 150 Kids one-day initiative In October, we receive calls about children in need of beds every single week. So far this year, and thanks to your support, we’ve been able to provide 32 local children with BRAND NEW BEDS! As wonderful as this is, the need is ongoing.
REFUGEE FAMILY RESETTLEMENT HELP
We’ve been able to provide support to more than a dozen families who are resettling in the Richmond area. These beautiful families are from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iran just to name a few. We've provided beds, household items, baby gear and diapers, food and personal care supplies.
RAPID RESPONSE INITIATIVES
There are way too many hungry people without the necessary means to access a food pantry in our community. At the onset of COVID19, we launched our Drop-Knock-Leave initiative to combat food insecurity. After making more than 7,000 deliveries of food and hygiene products to the doorsteps of those without access to food pantries, we realize access to food pantries can be a challenge for the elderly, sick and those without transportation. We decided to continue the Drop-Knock-Leave initiative one doorstep at a time effort as long as we have the funds and volunteers!
COMMUNITY BUILDER APPRECIATION
This year we delivered gifts and notes of appreciation to over 60 Richmond Public School social workers and family care coordinators. These wonderful, dedicated and caring individuals work closely with family’s to ensure they have all the resources necessary for a successful school year.
If you have any questions, comments or ideas to share, please feel free to reach out to me at leeann@bridgingrva.org.
Lee Ann
Lee Ann Sawyer
Executive Director
Bridging RVA