Food Bank: No one should go hungry. Our Food Bank is stocked by voluntary donations with non-perishable foods, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoos, deodorants, toilet paper, and dish and laundry detergent, and frozen meats. The Food Bank donates to anyone in need. Gift cards are available for perishable items such as meat and milk. Donations of food and monetary donations (for gift cards) are always needed. Volunteers are needed to staff the Food Bank four days a week.
Meals on Wheels: One week each month volunteer drivers deliver hot meals to shut-ins. Substitute drivers are needed.
Financial help: The Outreach department has a monthly budgeted amount (approximately 5% of income) for helping people in the local area with rent, utilities, and various other financial needs. Each request is screened and help given if funds are available. In addition, donated (non-budgeted) funds are used to purchase gift cards for gas.
Holiday Food Baskets: During the Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas seasons, five or six needy families are chosen by our church to receive a ham or turkey dinner with all the sides. The congregation donates the food or the funds to purchase the meals.
Seasonal Outreach projects: Outreach helps needy children with school supplies in the fall, and with Christmas gifts such as the Angel tree and Christmas stockings.
Habitat for Humanity: This organization helps deserving families get a home of their own using volunteer labor and funds raised at the Habitat Café. Habitat for Humanity on the Eastern Shore have been a part of our church family for many years. Please volunteer to help build or to provide financial support through the silent auction, café or other donations.
Interfaith Alliance at the Beach: This organization brings together the local faith-based community, non-governmental agencies, and the City of Virginia Beach to explore ways to help the less fortunate in our community. The meeting is on the third Thursday of the month (except in summer) and everyone is encouraged to attend. Ideas for projects and helping others are discussed at this meeting. It is very enlightening as well as humbling..
Week of Compassion: The Disciples of Christ has a national and international relief organization which helps with big and small needs anywhere called Week of Compassion. Support of the organization is made by funds collected in the church in the spring, but contributions may be made anytime, even online. Check out the wonderful work of this organization at www.weekofcompassion.org When a disaster strikes, consider donating to Week of Compassion so help will always be there.
National Outreach contributions: A portion of the outreach budget is sent to the national organization of the Disciples of Christ Church as a part of our church’s tithe.