Good to Know: A Love Letter to Grove Christian Outreach

By Rosemary Van Houten Sunday, February 13, 2011

It’s no secret that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day...the time of the year when many of us profess our affection and love to that someone special. Sometimes it includes flowers, chocolate, jewelry, a romantic dinner or perhaps even a proposal of marriage. Typically, it’s the most romantic day of the year - almost sappy, some might say.

So in the spirit of the day, I have a love story to share. Admittedly it is not the Romeo & Juliet or Cinderella type of love story you might expect; but, it is a love story, a true labor of love. It’s the story about a community, at least a hundred volunteers strong who have come together to make a difference.

It’s a story that began with a mailman who recognized there was more to be delivered to the community of Grove than just mail. This man, Thomas McCormick, Pastor of Grove Community Church no doubt had delivered many valentines in his 20 years as the local mail carrier, but he saw the need for a different message of love to be delivered to this community. And with that message, on February 1, 2000, Grove Christian Outreach
Center was founded.

“It’s truly been a community effort,” explained Deena Walls, GCOC Assistant Director, noting the non-profit organization is represented by volunteers from over 22 different churches. The group’s mission statement is ‘Our mission is to maintain an Outreach Center in the Grove area of James City County in order to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the poor and disadvantaged in the community,’ with their vision statement proclaiming ‘to extend the Kingdom of God by building relationships within the community, being involved in all aspects of community life, and showing the love of Christ in meeting practical, everyday needs of those in the Grove Community.’

And while they have delivered a message and a spirit that few can deny, their need for a building continues to be a challenge.

Even though they have distributed over 488,000 pounds of food, recorded over 15,000 volunteer hours, served 2,027 individuals from a double-wide trailer with the use of four sheds, a storage unit and items stored in attics and garages all over town, they have outgrown their current location.

“We see love here, people caring for one another, extending a hug, a smile, a meal whatever the need is, the community comes together to meet it,” said Walls. “Last year a mom was frantic to get a cap and gown for her daughter’s graduation...one email and the need was met and a young women’s life changed forever.”

Walls is quick to express how thankful they are for the support and how the community has embraced  the efforts of GCOC from the beginning, noting it’s not just the supporters, but the clients who have extended their support.

Now the challenge is to provide a new building...”facing a new season,” as Walls puts it, to the tune of $1,053,000, of which over $600,000 has already been raised. As an effort to bring awareness and spread the spirit of GCOC, the organization will be sponsoring a weeklong event this month called Grove Sunday.

Beginning Monday, Feb. 21 thru Sunday, Feb. 27, an itinerary of events are planned embracing themes such as play together, bake together, serve together, eat together, create together, music together and worship together. Full details, locations of these events can be viewed by clicking here.

The entire community, including businesses, schools, churches and individuals, have rallied together to make this effort a success. Part of the fundraiser also includes 1100 can banks donated by Ball Metal, designed by Howell Design and printed by Suter Printer. The can banks have been distributed to schools, youth groups and individuals inthe hopes all will be filled. The theme, “We can make a CHANGE in our community,”
is hoping to bring each can back filled with $20, which could bring the group $20,000 closer to their goal.

“We pray that if your church or business is not already part of these efforts that you will join us in whatever way you feel comfortable getting awareness and support for GCOC in our building efforts. It has been a breathtaking sight for Grove area residents to step up and invest in their community,” said Walls.

If you cannot attend any of the events on Grove Sunday but would still like to volunteer or make a donation to the building fund, click here or call 757-887-1100