Outreach
The Outreach Division coordinates many of Tuckahoe’s efforts to participate in projects that serve the needs of the local community. Also, Outreach sponsors mission efforts well outside its Richmond roots, supporting mission work within the US and beyond. It supports a variety of service opportunities and is charged with making those opportunities known to the congregation. We believe strongly that service demonstrates the second great commandment: to love others as ourselves. And we try to exemplify Tuckahoe’s mission statement: Called by God to be the heart, voice, hands and feet of Christ where the Spirit leads us.
If you are interested in joining us in any Outreach projects, or participating with our Division as we explore service opportunities, please contact Nancy Millsaps, Dot Smith, or Shawna Shade. We welcome new members, value fresh perspectives and willing hands.
Mission Trips
Each summer the Outreach Division sponsors a mission trip to locations that have suffered from natural disasters, or to areas where volunteering with special projects can help those who need it. In June 2012 , our youth and adults teams will partner with Appalachia Service Project to rebuild homes and lives in Tennessee. This is our second trip working with ASP, having worked in Mullens, WVA in 2010. In 2011, we sent volunteers to the Dominican Republic. We have worked locally with Boaz and Ruth in the Highland Park area of Richmond, adding a two story addition one year, and renovating a home in 2009. (See the video below shot by Boaz and Ruth.) In other years, we have sent teams to the Gulf coast to help with rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina. For more information, contact Nancy Millsaps.
We anticipate a local mission effort in Fall 2012, and will be announcing this event as soon as plans have been solidified.
Work with Local School Children
In 2005, Tuckahoe became involved with Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School in the city of Richmond. Members of our congregation volunteer their time as tutors and classroom assistants. These, and others, also help with special projects involving students and teachers. In 2011, TPC members adopted families and provided Christmas gifts for deserving students. For more information, contact Dick Mateer.
Tuckahoe teams participate in the YMCA Bright Beginnings program each summer, providing funding and shopping partners for children who need a hand for upcoming school days. For more information, contact Amanda Carr.
CARITAS
For many years Tuckahoe has participated in the CARITAS program for the homeless in the Richmond area. Starting Saturday after each Thanksgiving, Tuckahoe becomes home to families who find themselves in need of a warm and welcoming place to be together. Members provide food, shelter, laundry assistance, and encouragement. For more information, contact Jennifer Albertson.
Other Outreach Activities of Tuckahoe
Providing Meals to Community Organizations
Tuckahoe members prepare and deliver meals once a month to the Men’s Emergency Shelter, Freedom House, and Hilliard House. We have several teams of drivers for Meals on Wheels. In addition to food and funds for the Central VA Food Bank and Lamb’s Basket, local food banks, volunteers often help restocking and distributing food for needy neighbors.
Other Community Involvement
We are involved with Interfaith Services of Henrico (ISH), and Meg Packard oversees this connection. Our Presbyterian Women (PW) provide various needed items for disadvantaged children. For more information, please contact Ruth Anna Langdon. Tuckahoe workers also have volunteered their efforts through local organizations, such as Boaz and Ruth and Habitat for Humanity.
Each Christmas, Outreach coordinates the collection of Christmas gifts for children with an incarcerated parent through Samaritan’s Purse and Angel Tree. For more information about Angel Tree, please contact Pam Burch.
Financial Support
Tuckahoe supports the following organizations financially through its Community Ministries program: A Grace Place, Boaz and Ruth, Camp Hanover, CAPUP, CARITAS, Central Virginia Food Bank, Crossover Health Ministries, Daily Planet, Daughters of Zelophehad, FeedMore, Hilliard House, Home Again, Hospital Hospitality House, Interfaith Services of Henrico (ISH), Lamb’s Basket, Meals on Wheels, Micah Initiative, YMCA Bright Beginnings, and YWCA Women’s Advocacy.
For more information on any of these Outreach efforts, please contact Nancy Millsaps, Dot Smith, or Shawna Shade. We welcome your input and participation in Outreach endeavors.
Called by God to be the heart, voice, hands and feet of Christ where the Spirit leads us
