Community Storehouse News

First Annual Charity Golf Tournament

2011-10-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

Community Storehouse recently held its first annual HOPE charity golf tournament, benefiting the Food for Kids: School Backpack Program.

Food for Kids makes a difference in the lives of impoverished children by providing kids identified by school personnel as being at-risk for hunger with discrete backpacks, filled with nutritious, child-friendly foods. This program is designed to meet the needs of children who rely on free school meals as their only - or only reliable - source of food.

We'd like to thank our team sponsors:

Professional Network Services

JBS Cabling

Martinsville Speedway

Sodexho

Jeffrey Butker

We also wish to thank our hole sponsors:

Osteonex, LLC

David Hudson Construction

Rehab Dynamics

Lee's Tire and Wheel

Martinsville First Savings Bank

Chip Wyatt - State Farm Insurance

American National Bank

Walsh's Chicken & More

Storage Center

Robinson Ventures, LLC

Martinsville Surgical - Dr. O'Neil & Dr. Lentz

Geoff & Sherry Schofield

Special thanks is due to Ben David Jewelers and Ratatouille.

If you see anyone associated with these businesses, please tell them thank you!

Stuff the Bus - 2011

2011-08-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

The 3rd annual Stuff the Bus event, hosted by Community Storehouse - this year, in a partnership with Community Fellowship - concluded at Walmart this weekend with two school busses full of food and school supplies for our community's needy children. The organization also raised over $1,000 in donations. We'd like to thank the Martinsville City Schools bus division, the community for their loyal support, our volunteers, and Walmart for allowing us to host this event!

Preview our new PSA ...

2011-07-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

Community Storehouse is beginning a new video ad campaign.

Preview our first public service announcement ad; the first in a series of six!

Ready for some good tax news?

2011-03-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

If you’re age 70 ½ or older –– you may be able to take advantage of an important incentive for charitable giving. Congress has re-authorized the provision that allows donors to make gifts from their IRA accounts to one or more charities, without first incurring income tax on the withdrawal. This means that you can direct that amount to Community Storehouse with no federal income tax liability! The IRA Rollover may provide you with an excellent opportunity to make a gift during your lifetime from an asset that would be subject to multiple levels of taxation if it remained in your taxable estate.

To qualify:

You must be age 70 ½ or older at the time of gift.

Transfers must be made directly from a traditional IRA account by your plan provider to Community Storehouse. Funds that are withdrawn by you and then contributed do not qualify. Gifts from 401k, 403b, SEP and other plans do not qualify.

Your plan administrator may make the check out to Community Storehouse and mail the check to you. But you must postmark the check to us by December 31, 2011 for the 2011 tax year.

Gifts must be outright. Distributions to donor-advised funds, certain supporting organizations, or life-income arrangements such as charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities are not allowed.

Benefits – Qualified Charitable Distributions:

Can total up to $100,000;

Are not included in your gross income for federal income tax purposes on your IRS Form 1040 (no charitable deduction is available, however);

Example:

Suppose John has $500,000 in an IRA and he also wants to contribute $20,000 to Community Storehouse. He can authorize the administrator of his IRA to transfer $20,000 to Community Storehouse and $5,000 to himself. The $20,000 distributed to Community Storehouse will not be subject to federal tax and will be counted toward his annual minimum required distribution.

Donate. Volunteer. Advocate.

2011-03-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

Did you know,

28% of the people receiving emergency food are children?

Learn more about hunger and poverty in your own community,

and how you can help!

Visit http://www.communitystorehouseofmhc.org/ today!

2011 Feinstein $1 Million Challenge

2011-03-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

From March 1 to April 30 all contributions to the Community Storehouse will be partially, proportionally matched by the Feinstein Foundation.

For the 14th year, the Feinstein Foundation is offering $1,000,000 to be spread among poverty-fighting organizations who participate in the Feinstein Challenge. The more money we raise during March & April, the more of the $1 million we receive from the Feinstein Foundation.

Now is the time to give!

Will you help us reach our goal? Remember - the greater your gift amount, the greater the Feinstein contribution to the Community Storehouse. Help us get as much of the $1 million as possible.

Make your tax-deductible donation today!
www.communitystorehouseofmhc.org/money

September 1, 2010 is Lunch Money Day

2010-08-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

Nobody in our community should ever go hungry; especially when every $10 donated can provide 20 fresh and nutritious meals for someone in need. You can help us provide life-changing food support for local families simply by donating the equivalent of your lunch money for a day. For many, spending an average of $5 - $10 a day on lunch is not unusual, or a strain on their finances. We support many of whom providing a simple, healthy meal for themselves and their families is an everyday challenge. Brown bag it and donate to make a difference!

Stuff the Bus 2010

2010-08-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

Community Storehouse will host the second annual Stuff the Bus event on August 20 & 21 at Wal-Mart in Martinsville. Volunteers will be setup at the entrances to collect school supplies and food to benefit needy children in Martinsville & Henry County. This event is the kickoff for the agency's Food for Kids: School Backpack Program, which plans to serve 1,000 students this year. Stop by Wal-Mart between 9am and 6pm & help us STUFF THE BUS!

This year's Food for Kids thank you

2010-05-26T20:53:00.001-07:00

The loyal support of our Backpack Buddies combined with the generosity of Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County employees, the Martinsville Area Community Foundation, numerous churches and civic groups, has accomplished a great deal in the lives of our community's impoverished youth. Again, this year backpack program participants expressed their thanks through cards and drawings - all of which will be mailed to top donors. Thank you for your generosity.

The Harvest Foundation & MARC Workshop team to fill backpacks

2010-05-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

Harvest Foundation staff, as well as the director and participants of MARC Workshop gathered today to assist the Food for Kids program - an initiative of Community Storehouse - to fill backpacks. The Food for Kids program makes a difference in the lives of impoverished children by providing kids identified by teachers, counselors, and school nurses with discrete backpacks, filled with nutritious, child-friendly foods to utilize on weekends and holidays, when other resources - such as school breakfast and lunch programs - aren't available. The program is designed to meet the needs of children who rely on these resources as their only, or only reliable, source of food.

Every week, over 800 bags of food go out to impoverished youth in Martinsville and Henry County who rely on the nutrition they provide. Community Storehouse would like to thank the Harvest Foundation and MARC Workshop for their involvement with accomplishing this worthwhile task.

Brandon's Story

2010-05-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

Brandon's parents have a familiar story to tell. They both worked at a local factory, and both are now unemployed. Their unemployment benefits have run out, and they're left with some difficult decisions to make.

His dad started working part-time at a fast food chain, but that barely pays the house and car payments. "I never thought I'd find myself in this mess," he said.

Brandon tells us, "most of the time there's something at home to eat... most of the time." He goes on to explain, there's almost always not enough.

His parents go without a lot of the time, and he notices that.

Brandon says, the only 'real' meals he receives are at school. We know, balanced meals and nutrition aren't a priority when you're struggling to put food in the table in the first place.

Brandon receives a backpack each week, filled with enough child-friendly, nutritious food to last him weekends away from school. His teachers tell us, he's more attentive in class, and from his test scores, is retaining more knowledge. His parents have one less thing to worry about right now. He says, very simply, "the backpacks rock!"

Over half the children living in Martinsville and Henry County are classified as living in poverty. Won't you help Brandon, and the children struggling just like him, in our community?

Take a moment to read more about what the Food for Kids program is doing in the lives of children in our area, www.communitystorehouseofmhc.org/ffk.

It's not just food for today; it's hope for our tomorrow.

What is THE HUNGER GAP and how can I help?

2010-04-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Who falls within the hunger gap?

The answer may be surprising.

They are the children who sit next to your kids in class every day and go hungry every evening.

They are the hard-working families in your neighborhood who struggle with the decision to pay bills or buy food. They are the seniors who live around the corner from you and quietly wonder where their next meal is coming from.

Since 2001, the Community Storehouse has assisted over 22,000 unduplicated individuals, consisting of over a quarter of a million boxes of groceries; right now, 800 backpacks find their way to deserving, underpriviledged children every week; and our community store assists hundreds of families a year who have been devistated by housefires and other disasters.

With your nominal donation, we can bridge the hunger gap for another deserving, underprivileged family. If you don't help, who will?

Visit our website & make a donation. What you're really giving is hope.

www.communitystorehouseofmhc.org

1 in 4 Children

2010-04-10T06:20:00.001-07:00

Did you know, 1 in 4 children living in Martinsville and Henry County live in poverty?

Their parents, many being the working poor, struggle to balance paying the bills and providing enough food for a growing child. A rising number of families, some with both parents laid off from their jobs, have maxed out their unemployment benefits, and are left in an impossible situation with nowhere to turn.
The Community Storehouse offers hope to those who would otherwise be hungry. That's what the agency means to thousands of Southside Virginia's citizens. We are passionately pursuing a hunger free community. Won't you join us? With your nominal donation, we can make a huge difference in the lives of our needy neighbors.

Help us feed a hungry child & get your TAXES done FREE!

2009-11-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

Where?

Liberty Tax Service 1910 Virginia Ave., Collinsville, located in the Holiday Shopping Center

When?

Saturday, November 21, 20099:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

How?

Bring 5 of our requested food items & receive a certificate for FREE tax preparation!

What's Accepted?

All foods that are nutritious, child-friendly, and individually wrapped, including: - Breakfast Bars - Individual Cereal Boxes - Pop Tarts - Breakfast Cookies - Granola Bars - Ramen Noodles - Quick Lunches - Pop Top Meals - Microwavable Pasta - Juice Boxes/Pouches - Individually Packaged Chips, Pretzels, Crackers, & Cookies

Each donor contributing five or more items from our list will receive free tax preparation (up to $1,000 value!) in the upcoming tax season, thanks to Liberty Tax Service & American Cash Center. Raffles and giveaways will be provided throughout the event.

Food for Kids ... A Community Effort

2009-06-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

Food for Kids - Thank You

2009-05-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the generosity of local donors becoming Backpack Buddies we have served over 8,000 bags of food to children participating in our Food for Kids program this year. To show their appreciation, participants of the program took the time to write, draw, and color cards of appreciation, featured here. Top donors of the program will receive their own card from a sponsored child. Cards are also featured at the Community Storehouse on display in the lobby.

"With your donations and time, we have been able to flourish in our first year, but we don't plan on this program being a one shot deal; therefore, we need your support throughout the summer months leading into next school year as we plan to be as successful as we have been this year. These children are our future leaders and this is a way to show them that people do care and it is possible to dream." - Peyton Gravely, Program Coordinator

To learn more about the Food for Kids program click here.

"Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive 2009

2009-05-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

As a part of this year's annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, area residents left nonperishable food items by their mailboxes to be picked up by their mail carrier in a mass effort to benefit the needy. "We'd like to thank all the citizens of Martinsville and Henry County for their generosity and all the postal employees for their cooperation in making this event a huge success," said Nancy Nelson, Executive Director of Community Storehouse.

Thousands of pounds of food were collected through the drive. "Although that's a lot of food, it will only last a short time. The need in our community is great & continued support of our efforts is essential," Nelson added.

If you'd like to benefit the Community Storehouse through a drive or donation, visit http://www.communitystorehouseofmhc.org/ for more information, or call (276) 632-9002.

Wal-Mart awards $1,500 Grant

2009-05-25T05:49:00.000-07:00

The Wal-Mart Foundation has awarded the Community Storehouse a grant in the amount of $1,500 to benefit the agency's Food for Kids program. The Foundation strives to provide opportunities that improve the lives of individuals in our community, including their customers and associates. We'd like to thank Wal-Mart for their continued, generous support!

Pictured above: Travis Adkins, Community Storehouse; Jean Scott, Wal-Mart

Memorial Hospital - Volunteers

2009-04-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Memorial Hospital of Martinsville & Henry County regularly donate their time & efforts to volunteering with the Community Storehouse. Their support of the community is an invaluable resource to the essential programs the Storehouse offers. Pictured above & below are volunteers from the Remote Business Office of Memorial Hospital, volunteering with the Food for Kids program; over 700 bags were filled & ready to go! Thank you!

Memorial Hospital - Community Challenge

2009-03-25T06:56:00.000-07:00

Community Storehouse is proud to announce a 2009 partnership with Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County. For the third year, the hospital is benefiting Community Storehouse efforts to fight hunger and poverty in our community. This year, the hospital is raising funds to benefit the agency's Food for Kids: School Backpack Program raising as much money as possible during March and April! "Memorial Hospital has been an invaluable resource for our agency; their community initiative and generosity has touched the lives of thousands of needy people here in our area," said Travis J. Adkins, Assistant Executive Director.

Memorial Hospital has also approved employee giving for the Community Storehouse, through which employees of the hospital can choose to have money deducted directly from their pay to support the agency for years to come. This partnership is the biggest in Community Storehouse history. The hospital board, administration, and department heads are due thanks for their cooperation, and a special thank you is due to Christy Stutts, OR Director for her initiative and coordination of the campaign.

What's the rush? Donations made to the Community Storehouse during March or April of this year will have Feinstein Challenge money added to it. Alan Shawn Feinstein, a national granter will divide $1 million among hunger fighting agencies nationwide to help raise funds for their cause; this year, the Community Storehouse is involved in that effort. The more money the agency receives, the more of the $1 million the agency will get!

Memorial Hospital has issued a challenge to all local businesses and health-based institutions to join in the fight against poverty and hunger with the Community Storehouse. There are enough resources in our community to further the mission of the agency, and the mission of the Food for Kids program - to ensure that no child has to go without the basic necessity of life, most take for granted ... nutritious food. The children don't have a choice, but we do! Join us!

Memorial Hospital is committed to the development of a culture of teamwork successfully integrating employees, physician, administration, and volunteers in a way that promotes both individual and collective accountability. The hospital is committed to being an integral part of the Martinsville-Henry County community and beyond.

Event with God's Pit Crew & Spirit FM

2009-03-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

God's Pit Crew and Spirit FM teamed up with the Community Storehouse Saturday, as a part of the Neighbor to Neighbor campaign. Trucks and volunteers were setup outside of Sam's Club in Danville, VA to collect nonperishable goods to benefit Community Storehouse programs. As a part of this campaign, Storehouse staff took the opportunity to spread community awareness on the Food for Kids: School Backpack Program. Thank you to all who generously donated & to our partners in this event, God's Pit Crew & Spirit FM!

Workplace Giving Campaign

2009-03-04T08:55:00.001-08:00

A workplace giving campaign is an annual employee giving charitable campaign, through which employees are given the chance to support their community through their workplace and businesses are then able to help make philanthropy a part of their corporate future and community outlook, at no cost.

Participating in the Community Storehouse workplace giving campaign qualifies businesses for full partner advantages, free advertising, boosts employee morale, creates a closer working relationship among employees, and at no cost to the business can easily be implemented by the human resources agent the same as any other payroll deduction.

While workplace giving was designed to improve American charities' efficiencies, benefits exist for both the employee and the participating charity. For the employee, these programs offer the convenience of automatic payroll deductions without losting the tax benefits of charitable giving. For the charity, even a small pledge from a small number of employees makes an impact when it is multiplied by participating employee to employee, business to business.

Can you make a difference? YES you can!

Ask your employer to participate in the Community Storehouse Workplace Giving Campaign. Through our campaign, we seek area businesses to allow employees the choice to automatically deduct a donation of $2.00 per month (50 cents a week) to be earmarked for our essential emergency services.

Our goal through this campaign is to secure enough funding through employee giving to support our food purchasing needs (the bulk of our yearly budget) to feed the hungry in Martinsville and Henry County.

Our programs rely on the commitment and dedication of our supporters and volunteers, whose contribution of product, funds, equipment, and labor enable us to feed the hungry. Help us meet our ongoing needs - join our workplace giving campaign and make a huge difference in our community!

Thank you to our newest Workplace Giving Partner ...

Memorial Hospital of Martinsville & Henry County
http://www.martinsvillehospital.org/

For more information on how your place of business can get involved, contact Travis Adkins at 276.632.9002.

Feinstein $1 Million Challenge

2009-02-27T07:20:00.001-08:00

Mr. Feinstein's Letter to YOU:

Alan Shawn Feinstein

37 Alhambra Circle

Cranston, RI 02905

Please use MY money to help your neighbors in need!

My name is Alan Shawn Feinstein. For the past 9 years, I have been giving away $1 million each year to anti-hunger agencies throughout the country.

This year, I am doing it again…

WHATEVER YOU DONATE TO THIS AGENCY,I WILL ADD MONEY TO IT. THE MOREYOU GIVE, THE MORE OF MY $1 MILLIONTHEY’LL GET—THANKS TO YOU!

Why am I doing this? Because I believe each of us was put here on earth to do what we can to help those in need. You got this letter because we feel that YOU believe that, too.

This has become the greatest grass roots campaign ever to fight hunger in our country. Your donation makes you a partner in it with me!

My money started this campaign but it is YOU who will help decide how many needy people in your city or town will be fed this year. I’m only here to give you some support and to remind you of this: That all that will matter to us someday is what we did while we were here to help those who needed us.

We Are Needed Now!

Please give whatever you can - I will gladly add some of my money to yours. My $1 million will be divided in full proportionately among the agencies receiving donations toward my offer.

Thank you for sharing my heart, and the hope that—someday—no one will ever go hungry.

Sincerely Yours,

Alan Shawn Feinstein

Join us in the Feinstein $1 Million Challenge!

2009-02-27T06:56:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of Alan Shawn Feinstein?

For the 12th consecutive year, Alan Feinstein will divide $1 million among hunger fighting agencies nationwide using it to help them raise funds during March and April, 2009.

This year, donations made to the Community Storehouse in March or April will have Feinstein Challenge money added to it - the more donations we receive, the more of the $1 million we'll receive - all thanks to you, our generous donors!

Feinstein's past $1 million challenges to fight hunger have raised a record $940 million for agencies nationwide.

Become partners in what has become the #1 grassroots campaign to fight hunger - donate to the Community Storehouse!

Please, mail your support to: Community Storehouse, P.O. Box 3015, Martinsville, VA 24115 - or - donate securely online at http://www.communitystorehouseofmhc.org/.

Thank you!

For more information on the Feinstein Challenge, visit http://www.feinsteinfoundation.org/.

NEW Health & Hygiene Program

2009-02-25T08:18:00.000-08:00

Most of us go to the grocery store and put whatever we want in our carts. When people using food stamp benefits go to the grocery store, they must have cash for any non-food items they need, as these items cannot be purchased with food stamps. Consequently, poor families, unemployed persons, and elderly persons on fixed incomes often must do without things that are essential for health and well being; things like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, cold medications, and pain relievers. Lack of these items can cause serious complications in their lives, interfering with their ability to function effectively on a daily basis and potentially leading to serious illness.

A study by researchers at Northwestern University has shown that non-prescription over-the-counter medications such as cough syrups, cold and flu remedies, decongestants and allergy treatments have a significant impact in terms of preventing more serious infections. Consequently, the use of these products can prevent unnecessary physician or emergency room visits, improve work productivity for adults, prevent lost school days for children, and reduce the inappropriate use of prescription drugs. Northwestern researchers estimate that the overall savings from use of over-the-counter medications can be as high as $4.75 billion a year on a national basis.

Persons at risk already for infectious disease, due to conditions of poverty that sometimes prevent them from practicing good hygiene, are more likely to suffer more severe symptoms and long-term consequences of colds, flu and allergies than those who are better able to prevent these conditions or treat them in the early stages. The disadvantaged are the very people who end up in emergency rooms or at clinics with serious symptoms needing treatment they cannot afford.

The Community Storehouse, with the help of God's Pit Crew and other donors, established the Health & Hygiene program to distribute products like those listed above to needy families throughout Southside Virginia. Our clientele, already receiving supplemental food benefits, will in the coming months begin to receive health and hygiene benefits, as a part of our Healthy Families initiative.

Mental Health Association Fundraiser Donation

2009-01-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

The Mental Health Association, located at 117 Broad St., Martinsville recently held its annual fundraiser & the Community Storehouse was selected to benefit from their proceeds; funds are earmarked for our Food for Kids program - providing needy children in our area with child-friendly, nutritious food. We are happy to announce this partnership. Thank you!

Auto Tech Donates Turkeys

2009-01-08T21:31:00.000-08:00

Pictured: (from left) Eric Wray - Owner Auto Tech, Travis Adkins - Assistant Executive Director Community Storehouse.

While most of us had food in excess this past holiday season, thousands of poverty-stricken individuals and whole families living right here in Martinsville and Henry County didn't. Many relied on hot meals served at churches and food pantries such as ours to make their holiday a happy one. To help, Auto Tech, located at 1370 Virginia Ave., Martinsville donated turkeys to benefit the needy in our area. Thank you!

Food for Kids

2009-01-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

Because the children don't have a choice.

- 54% of students enrolled in Martinsville City Schools and 46% enrolled in Henry County Schools depend on the school free/reduced meal program, and a percentage of those - for their only reliable source of food.

- Data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study found that even children considered marginally food insecure - meaning they had food, but not enough, or simply not nutritious - lagged behind their peers in test scores.

- The percentage of children (ages 0-17) who are classified by the Henry-Martinsville Department of Social Services as 'living in poverty' in Henry County is 26% and in the city of Martinsville, over 34%.

- Elementary school-aged children who are food insecure not only have an increased prevalence of negative behavioral and health outcomes, but are more than twice as likely to have seen a psychologist. By the time they are teens, they are two times more likely to have been suspended.

The truth is sad. We have hungry children, going without all around us. For whatever reason their parents found themselves in this situation, it isn't the children's fault and even more sad - there's nothing they can do about it.

The good news is - there's something you can do about it! Become a Backpack Buddy with the Community Storehouse for as little as $20 per month, or $200 for the entire school year and you'll provide a needy child in our community with a new backpack filled with child-friendly, nutritious food, every weekend!

For more information, visit www.communitystorehouseofmhc.org, or call 276-632-9002.

Food Lion Grants $2,500

2008-12-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

Pictured: (from left) Peyton Gravely, Backpack Program Coordinator - Community Storehouse, James Inman, Store Manager - Food Lion, Travis Adkins, Assistant Executive Director - Community Storehouse.

The Community Storehouse has received $2,500 from the Food Lion Charitable Foundation. The gift will be used to fund its Food for Kids: School Backpack Program. “We are more than appreciative of Food Lion’s efforts through grants and community involvement to help the needy in our community,” said Travis Adkins, assistant executive director.

The Community Storehouse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the elimination of poverty and hunger in Southside Virginia, since 2001. The agency’s Food for Kids: School Backpack Program focuses on underprivileged, school-aged children who rely on free breakfast and lunch for their reliable source of nutritious food, and provides them with backpacks full of child-friendly foods to last weekends when that source of food is not available.

Established in 2001, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to improving the communities in which Food Lion operates. The Foundation places an emphasis on the support of primary and secondary education, feeding the hungry, and organizations that enhance the quality of life in Food Lion’s local communities.

Food Lion LLC is a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). Food Lion LLC operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. Food Lion LLC employs approximately 73,000 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Feed the Children Event with Star Touring

2008-11-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

'Star Touring' Volunteers

The Community Storehouse & Star Touring Motorcycle Organization hosted, in cooperation with Feed the Children an event to provide needy families in Martinsville & Henry County with food boxes, hygiene boxes, and cases of water. The event was a huge success! A special thank you is due to Boxley Material Co. for their financial support & to their employees for volunteering their time!

Why We Volunteer - Storehouse Slideshow

2008-10-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

Why We Volunteer

The Community Storehouse relies on dedicated, generous community members who volunteer their time to ensure that the essential emergency operations of our agency are fulfilled.

Featured in this slideshow are the voices of Nancy Nelson, founder of the Community Storehouse; Bobbi Bird, full-time volunteer; and Linda Allen, part-time volunteer.

THANK YOU to all our volunteers!

Piedmont Governor’s School - Food Drive

2008-10-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

The junior and senior classes of the Piedmont Governor’s School for Mathematics, Science & Technology recently held a food drive benefiting the Community Storehouse. The drive focused on child-friendly foods that will be used in the agency ‘Food for Kids: School Backpack Program’. Items donated ranged from cereal to kids’ snacks.

At the conclusion of the drive, students were allotted time to learn about hunger in our community and how their donations will be used by the Storehouse. “I’d like to thank the students, teachers, and administration for participating in this event & for the partnership that has been developed between our agency and the school for future successful drives. A special thank you is due to Dr. Nina Huff for her efforts in coordinating the drive,” said Travis Adkins, assistant executive director & public information officer, Community Storehouse.

YMCA Donates Backpacks

2008-10-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

After the Community Storehouse front-page feature in the Martinsville Bulletin, explaining the progress and needs of the ‘Food for Kids: School Backpack Program’ the local YMCA stepped up to the plate and donated over 30 new backpacks for use in the program!

Pictured: Becky Forestier, YMCA; Travis Adkins, Community Storehouse

E-Bay Store

2008-08-10T13:23:00.001-07:00

Now, you can shop for specialty items from our thrift store on E-Bay!

Visit our profile at http://myworld.ebay.com/fightingagainsthungerpoverty/

As always, proceeds benefit our food program.

Community Awareness Day

2008-08-10T13:18:00.001-07:00

The Community Storehouse was setup at this year’s ‘Community Awareness Day’ at Liberty Fair Mall, spreading hunger awareness.

Did you know, according to the Henry-Martinsville Dept. of Social Services, there are over 4,500 individuals living in our community who currently qualify for food assistance?

We’re serving a real need in our community – join us in the fight, visit http://www.communitystorehouseofmhc.org/ to learn how you can make a difference!

Summer Food Drives

2008-08-10T12:54:00.001-07:00

StarTek, Collinsville conducted another employee food drive this year benefiting our food pantry. The drive focused on canned goods and cereal.

Last year, food donations through StarTek were the largest to ever benefit the Community Storehouse in any one food drive; this year, StarTek broke their record.

A special thanks is due to the HR staff at StarTek for organizing this successful event & for their volunteer support of our agency throughout the year.

Pictured: Katie Muehleck, StarTek; Travis Adkins, Community Storehouse

The Martinsville Memorial Hospital has conducted its 2nd annual employee food and hygiene drive benefiting the Community Storehouse. The drive focused on canned goods and personal hygiene items.

Donations of hygiene necessities and food numbered in the hundreds and over $700 in funds were donated for future food purchases.

A special thanks is due to Christy Stutts and Roger Spencer for organizing and working the drive.

Pictured: (left to right) Joe Roach & Christy Stutts, Memorial Hospital; Travis Adkins, Community Storehouse

Dollar General Market Fundraiser

2008-05-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

The Community Storehouse participated in a sidewalk fundraiser at the Dollar General Market in the Dutch Inn Plaza, Collinsville May 1-3. Volunteers raffled a gas grill valued at $100; rhe sidewalk was manned with workers for a total of 24 hours and profited over $500. Dollar General staff donated $200 worth of new toys for use this Christmas and customers donated hundreds of items of food. Thanks for a successful event!

Helga Mills 'Eat Out for a Week' Winner!

2008-05-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

During the Community Storehouse annual telethon on NewsChannel 18, area businesses participated by offering dinner two to be raffled to those donating $50 or more. 7 total businesses participated, offering the lucky winner 'dinner for a week' free! Helga Mills was selected as the winner and is pictured above accepting her acknowledgement. We'd like to thank the sponors of this raffle: Applebees, Dutch Inn, Texas Steakhouse, Clarences, Pizza Hut, Ryans, & Pigs-R-Us.

StarTek Hosts Storehouse's Largest Food Drive

2007-11-26T13:33:00.000-08:00

Picture: (From Left) Travis Adkins and Nancy Nelson, Community Storehouse; Angela Allanson and Katie Muehleck, StarTek.

StarTek in Collinsville has wrapped up an employee food drive, benefiting the Community Storehouse Hunger Elimination Project. This two-week drive was the largest to ever benefit the Community Storehouse since its opening in 2001.

StarTek offered its over 700 employees incentives to donate, and the response was tremendous. Canned goods and cereal numbered over a thousand items. "Our warehouse hasn't been this stocked in years," said Nancy Nelson, Executive Director of the Community Storehouse; "It couldn't have come at a better time," she added.

The Community Storehouse has seen their new client averages double over the past three months and are projected to tripple by the beginning of the year.

"I'd like to thank all the employees of StarTek for all their work; a special thanks is due to Katie Muehleck, Professional Recruiter who worked with me in organizing this event," said Travis Adkins, Assistant Executive Director of the Community Storehouse.

Memorial Hosptial Food Drive

2007-11-21T18:35:00.000-08:00

The Martinsville Memorial Hospital has wrapped up an employee food drive, benefiting the Community Storehouse. "The hospital is big on community service; there's always an activity going on," said Christy Stutts, OR Director at the hospital.

The benefit began with a recent article printed in the Martinsville Bulletin featuring the needs of the Community Storehouse Food Pantry. Stutts took the idea for the food drive to a Director's meeting and from there, organized the event. "I'm so glad we could help," Stutts added.

Employees brought nonperishabe food, baby necessities, household needs and personal hygiene items to the hospital. Each unit collected the donations during lunch and at the conclusion of the event, donations numbered in the hundreds. Employees also collected money, amounting to over $600.

"It's amazing what's been accomplished in such a short time," said Travis Adkins, Assistant Executive Director of the Community Storehouse, who worked with Stutts in organizing the event. "We'd like to thank the Administration and all the employees of the hospital for this generous benefit, and especially Christy Stutts for her interest and work in organizing it," he added.

Fontaine Ruritan Club Presents $1,000 Check

2007-11-21T18:34:00.001-08:00

The Fontaine Ruritan Club has donated a check in the amount of $1,000 to benefit the Community Storehouse. "We'd like to thank the Ruritan's for all they do for the community, and especially for partnering with us every year," said Nancy Nelson Executive Director for the Community Storehouse. The check was presented by Mike Williams, Vice President of the Fontaine Ruritan Club.

Food Lion Presents $2,500 Check

2007-11-21T18:32:00.001-08:00

Food Lion has presented a check in the amount of $2,500 to the Community Storehouse. The funds are from the Food Lion Charitable Foundation. "We'd like to thank all the local Food Lions, as well as the Food Lion Charitabe Foundation for all they've done to help the community; we're proud to be partners with Food Lion," said Nancy Nelson, Community Storehouse Executive Director. The check was presented by local Food Lion Manager, James Hodges.

Tarheel Tobacco Food Drive a Success

2007-10-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

We'd like to thank Mary Martin and Tarheel Tobacco for hosting one of the most successful food drives of the year. In total, the food received amounted to over 500 items in 2 weeks.

The picture depicts Travis Adkins, assistant director for the Community Storehouse presenting Mary Martin of Tarheel Tobacco with a certificate of appreciation.

Storehouse Accepts Check from Colonial Downs

2007-10-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Recently, Colonial Downs hosted a charity event donating money for local charities to take a chance in winning a race. The Storehouse was one of the selected participants and won $21.00.

The picture depicts Brent DeHart, site manager of Colonial Downs and Travis Adkins, assistant director of the Community Storehouse.

Storehouse Participates in Coat Drive

2007-09-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

Debra Buchanan, Henry County Supervisor organizes a yearly coat drive for the areas children who otherwise would go without adequite outerwear during the winter.

This year, the Storehouse proudly participated in the effort by donating coats that had been stored from last year's season.

TARHEEL TOBACCO Food Drive DRAWING

2007-09-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

We are wrapping up a food drive, sponsored by Tarheel Tobacco and Mary Martin, Henry County School Board member through which we've already received over 200 items of food!

You can still drop off any nonperishable food item (macaroni & cheese, oatmeal, canned goods, etc.) to Tarheel Tobacco, located at 1874 Virginia Ave. and you could win!

The more you give, the more chances you have to win!

First Prize $20 gift card to Tarheel Tobacco

Grand Prize Bailey's Suite Race Ticket

You'll be honored to sit in the Bailey's Suite, have lunch and watch the upcoming Bailey's 300 in class and comfort at Martinsville Speedway!

The drawings will take place Friday. For more information, contact Mary at (276) 666-2377.

Liz Stone & County Admin. Ongoing Food Drive

2007-09-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

Liz Stone and other Henry County Administration staff regularly donate boxes of cereal to the Storehouse. To date, they have donated hundreds of boxes. The picture depicts this weeks donation of cereal.

Thank you for your tremendous support!

Storehouse Receives Grant from Food Lion

2007-08-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

The Community Storehouse has received $2,500 from the Food Lion Charitable Foundation. The Storehouse will use the gift to purchase food for their community food program.

“On behalf of our organization and clientele, I‘d like to thank Food Lion for all they‘ve done over the years to assist agencies such as ours, in a unified effort to one end - the elimination of hunger and poverty in our communities,” said Nancy Nelson, Executive Director.

Established in 2001, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to improving the communities in which Food Lion operates.

The Foundation places an emphasis on the support of primary and secondary education, feeding the hungry, and organizations that enhance the quality of life in Food Lion’s local communities.

Storehouse Public Open a Success

2007-08-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

The picture above depicts the line awaiting the opening today.

As announced, the Community Storehouse opened its thrift store to the public today, in an effort to generate more funds to sustain the community food program and the opening was a success.

We'd like to thank the community for their support. The thrift store will be open every Thursday 11am - 3pm.

Back to School

2007-08-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the generosity of area retailers and individual donors, we regularly provide new shoes, school supplies, winter coats and school clothes to needy children and teens in our area. During the upcoming school year, we will be working with community schools to meet needs identified by teachers and administrators.

Storehouse Benefit Concert

2007-08-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

A Southern Gospel Benefit Concert with the Whisnants will be held at Freedom Baptist Church, located at 790 Irisburg Rd., Axton. Tickets for adults are $10 in advance & $12 at the door. Kids, ages 6-12 tickets are $5 in advance & $6 at the door; children 5 and under, admitted free.

All proceeds from the concert will benefit our food program.

Tickets are now on sale at the Community Storehouse, Freedom Baptist Church & online at http://www.communitystorehouseofmhc.org/.

Phillip & Ellen Clark, Top Individual Donors

2007-08-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Phillip & Ellen Clark are our current top donors of food and goods; they have donated hundreds of boxes of cereal alone.

Mrs. Cark also spends her time volunteering in our thrift store every week.

THANK YOU for all your contributions!

Thrift Store Opens to the Public

2007-08-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

The approximately 5,000-square-foot thrift store, at 210 Cleveland Ave. in Martinsville, now is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays. It offers such items as clothing (men’s, women’s, children’s, plus sizes and maternity), accessories, shoes, undergarments, household items, furniture, toys, baby supplies, bedding, books and housewares.

Until now, only those whose income qualified them for help could shop at the thrift store. Despite the change, the main goal of the shop remains — to help supply the needs of the less fortunate, according to Nancy Nelson, director of operations of the Community Storehouse.

Nearly all of the items cost only 10 cents each. Large furniture items, nicer electronic items and large appliances are priced higher but still far below the items’ worths.

Nelson said the purpose of opening the thrift store to the public is to generate more income for the Community Storehouse, which offers a variety of programs to combat poverty and hunger and their causes as well as family crises, Nelson said.

The storehouse has an annual operating budget of about $100,000 and at times runs in the red. Nelson said that because the thrift store sells thousands of clothing items a week, having a price of generally 10 cents an item could generate much needed income. Most items in the store are donated, and most — but not all — are used.

The storehouse receives income from an annual television station telethon and donations from some churches, businesses, organizations and individuals, Nelson said. It also frequently seeks grants, often with limited success, Nelson said.

Full Article - Appeared in the Martinsville Bulletin - By PAUL COLLINS

Nancy Kennett, Newest Partner

2007-08-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

Nancy Kennett, general manager of Kelly Services in Martinsville is our newest Stop Hunger Partner!

Mrs. Kennett regularly volunteers her time and expertise to Storehouse clientele by hosting monthly employment workshops; this alone, has allowed us to provide a new free of charge program!

In addition to partnering with us and volunteering her services, Mrs. Kennett is one of our top individual donors of food and goods.

THANK YOU for all your contributions!