Editorial
In a world where hatred seems to abound, where people are continually tearing each other down, there are some folks among us who are striving for the opposite, to lift each other up, to unify us in a common purpose for the greater good of our community.
One such local organization that is pushing for the latter is Unity4kids, a group that grew out of various charitable initiatives undertaken by Spencer Home Center, its employees and customers. Unity4kids, a 401c3 nonprofit, was established late last year and began operating at the beginning of 2025.
“In a world that is divided we unite together to meet the needs of children and families,” said Tammy Reid, director of Unity4kids.
“There is so much division and hate in our world, whether it be over politics or something else,” she observed. “We need to unite together to spread love, goodness and basic humanity for others. The joy of impacting someone’s life and seeing that you really made a difference far exceeds feelings of hate and hostility. I love the families we serve and I have formed lasting relationships with many of them.
“Our mission is to help children and families in crisis. We make a positive impact by offering hope, sharing love and letting families know that they are not alone. We love those we help unconditionally, regardless of what their situation is. It is our desire to instill faith, love and belief in others to each and every child and family we help.”
Unity4kids “has really grown, and we have been able to help so many. We help with food, gas, utilities, clothes, shoes, rent, baby items, furniture, etc. There are so many needs in our community. We have started a bi-weekly meal delivery service in Buena Vista. … We deliver to folks who are dealing with illness, are elderly, do not have vehicles … We are not just delivering meals. We encourage the folks who deliver to get to know [the people they’re serving]. I am blessed to be a part of an organization that helps those in our community.”
Reid said she has “so many stories of families whose lives we have impacted and I am truly blessed to be a part of it. … Last week I had a request from a Mom who wanted a gallon of milk for her son to have cereal. … Another asked for gas so their child could attend therapy. … I helped a Mom by giving her $60 to pay her utilities and she was so thankful. … We have helped so many this year with food, rent, gas, utilities, clothes, shoes, coats, furniture, homelessness, baby items, …” The organization had a back-to-school shoe drive this year in which shoes were provided to more than 300 area children. She said she’s received support from area law enforcement agencies, Rockbridge Connect and Nourish and other community organizations. In October, DuPont Community Credit Union is joining Unity4kids to put together cancer care packs to be delivered to those in the community who are dealing with chemo treatments and other cancer-related issues. “We hope to encourage and lift up those who are facing a cancer battle,” she said.
“We’ve been blessed to have a lot of volunteers,” she continued. She alluded to Edie Rothenberger, who runs the organization’s clothes closet out of the Calvary Brethren Church in Buena Vista. The bi-weekly meal deliveries in Buena Vista, she said, serve about 80 people in need who have difficulty getting out to such dinners as are provided by The Community Table and Rockbridge CAN. These low-income individuals include elderly, those battling cancer, folks suffering from dementia.
People seeking help or who would like to help those in need can get in contact with Unity4kids through its Facebook page or by visiting the www.unity4kids website. Directions can be found on how to make monetary donations.
“We hope our numbers continue to grow so that we can spread the word of unity, faith and love for one another without judgment,” said Reid.
A COMMUNITY YARD SALE was held recently as a fundraiser for United4Kids in which individuals and businesses donated items for sale that raised around $4,000 to help families in the Rockbridge area. Seen here are (from left) Billy Reid, Tammy Reid, Jo Tomlin, Angie Lynn, Edie Rothenberger, Caleb Chittum, Reneda Chittum, Brian McKnight and Rob Rothenberger.
