WILLIAMSBURG — What began as an unexpected setback for Grove Christian Outreach Center turned into a community effort after a June 24 accident sent a vehicle into the nonprofit’s stormwater management pond, damaging a fence and retaining wall.
The vehicle’s occupants were rescued by the firefighters and not injured.
Grove Christian Outreach Center, which provides food, clothing, financial assistance and other support services to families in the greater Williamsburg area, received help from the after the crash left it facing an unexpected repair expense.
Within two days of the accident, volunteers from Dominion Energy had repaired the damaged fence and retaining wall while community members, churches and local businesses contributed donations and offered support, according to a news release.
Dominion Energy External Affairs Manager Crystal B. Bright, stated that the company acted soon after learning about the damage.
“When I read Katie Patrick’s email asking for help after an unfortunate vehicle accident that damaged their fence and retaining wall, my immediate response was to see if Dominion Energy could help in any way,” Bright said in the release.
Bright said she contacted Williamsburg Construction and Operations Manager Jeff Moore, who organized a volunteer crew that completed the repairs the following day.
Grove Christian Outreach Center Executive Director Katie Patrick said the response allowed the nonprofit to avoid a lengthy and expensive disruption. The fencing and retaining wall are required for compliance with James City County regulations. County officials inspected the work and approved the repairs.
“What could have become a costly and lengthy setback instead became a powerful reminder that we live in a community where people don’t just talk about caring for one another — they show up and do it,” Patrick said.
Patrick added that the organization also is looking for ways to assist the driver involved in the accident.
“We are also exploring ways to extend compassion to the owner of the vehicle involved, who is facing significant medical challenges unrelated to the accident,” Patrick said in the release.
With much of the repair work completed by volunteers, many of the donations received will support Grove Christian Outreach Center’s food, clothing and financial assistance programs.
