Notice regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated as of April 29, 2020:
As we settle into our new “norm,” we invite you to check here for periodic updates. We are following our Governor’s orders, as well as the advice of the CDC.
How does this affect Proclaiming Grace Outreach? As much as we optimistically hoped we could go on with business as usual, we quickly found that was not the best option. The Thrift Spot is closed for both sales and the receiving of donations through the month of May. We can only hope that we may be able to open again in June.
Regarding volunteers/community service individuals coming to the Thrift Spot, most are choosing to stay at home as advised. If someone wants to volunteer, we are opening that up slowly by having 1-2 at the most present with our staff. This must be approved prior to someone coming in to volunteer.
We are gradually beginning to take donations only from our volunteers and only those donations that have been sitting for two weeks or more. Once they are picked up (we are asking no one to come to the Thrift Spot to drop off) they are left on our truck for an additional week before being processed. We hope to resume regular pick ups in June. We are holding online sales at the Thrift Spot each Thursday night at 7pm. Check out our Facebook page for all the details.
This of course means that we will put a stop to our weekly pickups of furniture and other items and we ask the public to refrain from all donations of material items at this time. The reason for this is that the CDC has stated, “Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials.” More detailed information is available at cdc.gov.
With this being said, shifting our attention and resources to the Food Pantry is of utmost importance. Feeding people in our area is a vital part of what PGO does and it has never in our 12 years of existence been more important.
Our Food Pantry will continue to be open on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month (new time of 3pm-6pm). However, the normal process has been amended. Patrons will no longer be exiting their vehicles for any reason. We will make every effort to place the groceries in the trunk of the vehicle. Our Food Pantry is located at Tabernacle UMC, 20051 Tabernacle Road, Barhamsville, VA 23011.
Last but not least, and you have heard this many times but SOCIAL DISTANCING is important. Please do your part to help contain this virus. By being out for unnecessary reasons, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but are also putting others at risk.
Let’s all do our part to help combat COVID-19. Please continue to keep the PGO Board, Staff and Volunteers in your daily prayers. We will weather this storm! In the meantime, if you are in need of anything, and I really mean this, please do not hesitate to contact us to see if we can help. You are also free to contact any member of our Executive Board listed below.
Blessings on you and your family!
Melanie
Melanie D. King, Executive Director
Proclaiming Grace Outreach
mking@proclaiminggraceoutreach.com
(757) 741-5070Nancy Goodman, Acting Board President
Beldor69@aol.comJohn Akers, Treasurer
jhamcf@cox.netWanda “Beth” Calhoun, Secretary
bdzula@gmail.com
“Our mission is to provide a holistic approach to the needs of our community by providing food, clothing and other services to help the disadvantaged and those with economic hardships in all of New Kent and upper James City Counties.”
PGO serves those needing assistance through our:
- Food Pantry on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month
- The Thrift Spot
- Small Home Repair Projects
- Scholarships to New Kent Students
- Support of New Kent County Animals