Fill The Fence ‘Beautiful To Witness’
With the holiday season behind us, the Feed the Need Foundation would like to express its gratitude to the Rockbridge area community for making the fifth year of the Fill the Fence Annual Toy Drive a tremendous success. This year marked the foundation’s fourth year of serving Rockbridge area families in need. With the community’s remarkable generosity, more than 300 local children received gifts, bringing smiles and joy to many families.
“This effort truly embodies the spirit of Rockbridge County,” said Kathy Larlee, chair of the Feed the Need Foundation. “Our community’s support is what makes it all possible, and it’s a beautiful thing to witness.”
Parents had the opportunity to select gifts during a distribution held the Thursday and Monday before Christmas. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of volunteers and partners, all deliveries to Rockbridge area families were completed that Monday afternoon. Larlee highlighted the vital role played by the Rockbridge County sheriff’s office. “Their assistance with logistics ensured that everything ran smoothly,” she said. “We are so grateful for their unwavering support.”
The foundation also extended its thanks to its many dedicated partners, including the Virginia National Guard, which hosted the toy distribution this year. Other key supporters included the Buena Vista Police Department, Pilot Flying J, Charles W. Barger & Son, Walmart Lexington, Community Foundation of RBAC, Odd Fellows Lodge in Lexington, VA, the Lexington Police Foundation and Bank of the James.
Larlee emphasized the importance of community partnerships. “Every individual, every organization, and every location that contributed played a part in making this possible,” she said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”
The Fill the Fence initiative also reached beyond Virginia this year. The foundation adopted the wish lists of 66 children from families in North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. Volunteers at Leicester Baptist Church created stockings for each child, while Savage Santa’s Justin partnered with the foundation to deliver Christmas magic.
“This partnership is a testament to what can happen when people come together to make a difference,” said Larlee. Georgetown Baptist Ministries provided a truck and manpower to ensure the gifts were delivered.
Looking ahead, the Feed the Need Foundation is now preparing for its Christmas in January project. This initiative aims to bring joy to pediatric patients at Carilion Children’s Hospital in Roanoke. “The spirit of Christmas doesn’t end with the holidays,” said Larlee. “We want to spread joy and hope wherever it’s needed.”
Feed the Need Foundation’s Mission Statement is as follows: “Feed the Need Foundation recognizes needs within communities, and then develops and implements benefits to assist with those needs, all while fostering goodwill in others. At Feed the Need Foundation, we work by, with and through local communities to feed the physical (food), intellectual (books), and emotional (toys) needs of those who need a handup.”
Reflecting on this year’s efforts, Larlee concluded, “We are endlessly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community. Together, we are making a difference, one endeavor at a time.”
Beacon Credit
Union Donates
To RARA
Beacon Credit Union last month donated $5,000 to the Rockbridge Area Relief Association for its “unwavering commitment to the community.”
RARA provides aid for those who have found themselves in a time of emergency and need help with food, heating fuel, medical assistance, rent subsidies, utility payments, temporary shelter and emergency transportation. Beacon Credit Union aims to raise awareness about their vital work and provide financial support, enabling them to continue helping those in need.
The donation was presented at the Beacon Credit Union office in Buena Vista.
On hand for the presentation were Virginia Wolfe, branch manager; Hannah Johnson, loan officer; Erin Fitts, AVP of marketing for Beacon Credit Union; Lindsey Perez, executive director for RARA; Karla Murdock, RARA board secretary; and Gordon Spice, RARA board vice president.
