COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Greene County families applying for Food Stamps increased by more than 40 per cent in the past year, according to Department of Social Services Director, James Howard.  That huge increase doesn’t even include the many families eligible for food Stamps who do not apply.  GRACE is also seeing the impact of these tough economic times, leading to high rates of joblessness or underemployment, with an increasing number of requests for family services and other assistance.  In order to raise funds to meet these needs and in preparation for the winter months, GRACE is considering various fund-raising ideas to help build up its meager budget balance.  Please stay tuned for details on those efforts and contribute whatever you can.
The Greene Alliance of Church and Community Efforts (GRACE) works with the Dept. of Social Services, Skyline CAP, JABA, Region 10, churches, businesses and civic groups in our community to help county residents in need.  We empower individuals and families with immediate or long-term needs by connecting them with appropriate agency providers or communicating their specific needs to our network of volunteers who may donate an item or service. 
Each month in the Record, “Community Connections” highlights current need requests received by GRACE in hopes of matching those needs with readers who are able to fulfill them.  Please contact GRACE at 985-6792 to offer assistance or to make a need known.  The office is located at Stanardsville Baptist Church, 103 Madison Rd, and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The answering machine is checked regularly.  You can also help by sending a contribution to GRACE, P.O. Box 513, Stanardsville, VA 22973.
There have been a number of requests recently for furniture and bedding:
Bedding— 4 twin mattress sets and beds with bed frames;  1 full-size mattress set and bed;  1 queen-size mattress set and bed.
Sleep Sofas - 2 needed by families in Greene.
Furniture - 4 dressers; 2 kitchen tables with chairs.
Appliances - 2 refrigerators; 1 dryer.
If you can donate any of these items, please call the GRACE office at 985-6792.  Receipts will be given for these tax-deductible donations.  GRACE has volunteers who can pick up and deliver these items, but it would be greatly appreciated if a donor is able to deliver directly to the family in need. 
Brown paper bags - Please save grocery bags and deliver to GRACE office for donation to food pantries and its own donations to needy families.
Back-to-School Program - The next big GRACE program is providing school supplies to children whose families have limited funds.  Please keep this program in mind as you are out and about this summer.  Details to come.