Making a Difference During COVID-19: Stories of BGAV Grants

As an immediate response to COVID-19, the BGAV made $100,000 available to congregations in order to assist them in reaching the most vulnerable people in their communities affected by the pandemic. In early May, the BGAV became aware of the Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund, which is a grant offered by the Community Foundation of Greater Richmond. Knowing that there were still churches in the central Virginia area seeking funds to reach their communities, the BGAV applied for and received $25,000 to distribute to churches located within the region. We hope to reapply for another grant in the near future as these funds are distributed. We are excited to partner with yet another group that has a concern for its community and can assist us in reaching them.

Elk Creek Baptist Church Louisa, VA

by Mickey Robertson

Elk Creek Baptist Church partnered with the Resource Council of Louisa County’s Food Bank to serve over 1,500 people in their local community since March 2020.

First, on behalf of Elk Creek Baptist Church, Goshen Association, and the community of Louisa, allow me to express my gratitude to the Community Foundation of Greater Richmond’s Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund, administered by the BGAV, for the recent grant of $1,000 to battle hunger during this crisis. It has taken more than local efforts to fill the many voids showing up in the wake of this virus. Regional partners have filled the gaps as well, and this case is proof.

We applied for the grant for the Resource Council of Louisa County’s Food Bank. It has continued to function through the crisis. The needs it addresses are critical. In an average week, hundreds of people have their food needs covered through the generosity of businesses, of civic foundations, and the generous donation of time by volunteers. Twelve hundred people a month would normally visit the food bank, having been already cleared by the county for need. From the month of March, need has grown by 25%. The 1,500 or so people the past few months who have depended on the Food Bank represent around 15% of the county’s total population. Situated between three cities— Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, and Richmond—the need in rural Louisa stands out. As a chaplain for the Sheriff ’s Office, I see on every ride-along the crying need firsthand. When we hand out gifts to people in need at Christmas, our church is always overwhelmed by someone they come into contact with who needs help. There is a handful of our members who have donned masks and gloves for months now and witnessed firsthand the explosion of need.

The Food Bank is facing a money problem by the end of July. Part of that centered around a program that feeds children-- funding for which was due to run out at the end of June. We offered the grant money to continue the program. With it, the Food Bank can feed 400 children through Labor Day, as they can buy in bulk at 19 cents per dollar. The gift will therefore allow them to bridge the gap until (hopefully) schools start up again and their programs can help fill the need.

From all of us at Elk Creek, and I know expressing the gratitude of the Food Bank and the surrounding community, we say once again thanks for being there in such a harsh time.

Kilmarnock Baptist Church Kilmarnock, VA

by Marty Sutherland

Food pantry volunteers serve drive-thru visitors at Kilmarnock Baptist Church.

Kilmarnock Baptist Church Food Pantry has seen a 20% increase in number clients since March. Thanks to the grant received from BGAV, the food pantry (which relies on donations) has been able to procure at least an additional 1,000 pounds of food from the Food Bank each month and expects to continue for the next few months.

The food pantry instituted a drive-thru food pantry in March to meet the social distancing guidelines and expects to continue that process for the near-term. Although we all miss the more personal interaction with clients coming into the church’s fellowship hall to talk and also select many of the foods available, the clients along with the 25 volunteers feel that the drive-thru process is the best solution during these difficult times.

In addition, our local library has partnered with us to provide “activity bags” for children of our clients. The bags include small books, coloring pages, and crayons.

Kilmarnock Baptist Church is blessed for the grant you provided. The ability to provide additional food to our clients during this time is very much appreciated!

Arise RVA Church Richmond, VA

by Jeremy Chambers

Members of Arise RVA gather during Summer 2019. Many of these members volunteered at the Arise RVA food pantry in response to COVID-19 needs.

Since the grant for $1000 to be used for food has been approved, I want to share a bit about how some of the house churches are using the funds we already have and how they intend to use some of these additional funds!

1. They are purchasing food stuffs and toiletries for some young immigrant families with babies.

2. They are purchasing groceries for some individuals who are directly effected by this crisis (loss of jobs, etc.).

3. The one food pantry (for those in need) was low and they are filling it up!

4. One community has an unusual number of people who were laid off recently; that community is providing small meals to send out to the individuals day by day (someone is driving the food to them).

I keep getting more reports of how the house churches are springing to action! What an incredible time when the church is able to rise up and bless people and show the love of Jesus, the hands of Jesus, and the feet of Jesus in action! The beautiful thing is that these actions have also opened doors for prayers and words of encouragement and the direct sharing of the gospel in certain circumstances!

I had a fearful friend who warned me to “leave the city due to this crisis; save yourself!” But why would we leave all those who we love so much and who are lost and hurting? We are here because Jesus is at work in this place, and God has called us to serve and love those around us! This is exactly where we need to be! Praise the Lord!

For more information, visit BGAV.org/COVID.