After years of fundraising and work, Grove Christian Outreach Center has reached its fundraising goal of $1.47 million, just a few weeks before construction on its new building is set to be complete.
A tiny old building, which has been stuffed to the gills with household goods, clothing and food for needy people in Grove for 13 years, will soon be retired as Grove Christian Outreach Center (GCOC) prepares to move into the new 6,000-square-foot building that has been under construction since last summer. The building will be complete by the end of March, and staff will start moving items over within a few weeks of that date, according to a press release.
GCOC reached its first fundraising goal of $1.2 million last April, which provided the funds needed to pay for the building. The additional few hundred thousand dollars will allow the center to open fully debt-free.
“We have been so blessed to receive many wonderful gifts from all over Williamsburg and the surrounding counties,” said Pat McCormick, GCOC executive director. “Donations have come from local churches, businesses, foundations, community groups and so many individuals. We are deeply grateful to all of the donors who have made this building possible.
“We have come this far because enough people care about the families of Grove to reach out to them.”
The new center will provide storage space, offices, a large food pantry, walk-in refrigeration, a spacious clothes closet and designated areas to receive and process donations. It will also host life skill classes, job fairs, health education and service opportunities.
GCOC plans to host a celebration of the opening at a date to be announced.
