October is the Month for State Workers to Consider Workplace Giving through CVC

This announcement is important for all friends of IHS to know. It shows a very concerted effort by our small core group of volunteers to reach out to as many VA state employees as possible. Remember - this is a state university and employees are state employees; therefore, it is vital to increase support through knowledge of our mission.  Simply stated, we are serving the indigent population who come to UVA Medical Center from all over Virginia without adequate funds to balance their temporary needs while being served by UVA Medical Center. "Virginia is for Givers" IHS is now into its second year in CVC ... same code 3648 October 1st was the kick-off date for this very important source of funds for all eligible charities in Virginia.  More than 1,300 charities participate in this annual campaign.  The CVC drive lasts from October 1 - December 21, but the month of October is the most important month for charities to introduce their charitable goals.  Employees may designate their gift to a specific charity or multiple charities by giving a one-time donation or through payroll deduction. IHS is reaching out beyond the immediate Charlottesville Area through CVC Fairs One of the most important avenues for introducing newer charities is through CVC Fairs. These one-day events are hosted by various schools, universities and state agencies throughout Virginia. Charities are offered first come, first serve space to have a table display and speak to state workers in that organization who are told in advance to take time to visit and learn about those who are seeking to make a difference.  The CVC Fairs are perhaps the most effective method of hearing about a charity up close and personal and receive information. We are in constant motion during October to attend key CVC Fairs Elisheva and T. Wade Clegg, founding members of IHS, travel from small DOT compounds to DEQ offices to state offices in Richmond and  to other university settings. On September 20, 2012 they attended the CVC Charity Fair hosted by VDOT Fredericksburg, VA District. Looking ahead from today, they will be spending a day at the following CVC Fairs: October 4 (Thurs) CVC Fair at the commonwealth Center for Children & Adolescents, 1355 Richmond Avenue,  Staunton, VA 24401  from 11 AM - 1:30 PM. October 10  (Wed) CVC Fair at VDEQ Piedmont Regional Office, 4949-A Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060  from 9:30 AM - 12 noon. October 12 (Fri)   CVC Fair at College of William and Mary, 105 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185  from 11 AM - 1:30 PM. Charlottesville and surrounding counties do not presently offer CVC Fairs THE ONLY WAY to re-invigorate CVC Fairs in the Central Virginia area is for state employees to ASK for such opportunities to be hosted in their facility once annually. That means speaking to Department Administrators to consider exposure which is not presently provided as in other parts of the state, and also e-mailing the Director of CVC for guidance and support at Anne.dinterman@dhrm.virginia.gov.  Remember the new CVC website is www.cvc.virginia.gov.                                 For all IHS friends, state employees or not ... Be aware of other opportunities such as professional meetings, civic groups, church outreach programs, scout troops, school clubs, businesses, etc.,  which would be open to a 10 minute presentation about IHS activities. An e-mail to us is all it takes to make contact for an immediate response. Thanks to everyone for your continued support. Sincerely ... T. Wade Clegg

A Very Personal Letter from Margaret Gorman

Dear Friends of IHS, In the past I have written for the IHS blog from my volunteer position as a person who introduces the IHS meal packet program to churches, schools, charities and scout groups who make so many of the meal packets for the University of Virginia (UVA) Medical Center. This is a very rewarding activity. A new viewpoint Today, however, I am writing from the viewpoint of a patient at the UVA Medical Center, where I will be receiving treatment for the next several months. I would like to tell you some stories about what I've heard at the hospital about IHS and what people I encounter there say about the Reverends Clegg and their wonderful work. So gratifying ... the stories I've  heard The first story is from when I chatted with a medical resident in plastic surgery/cancer after she took notes on my case. I asked her if she ever saw one gallon zippered bags with meals in them. She said, "IHS? Oh Yes. I don't know what we would do without them." She then expounded at some length about the desperate situations of people who receive IHS assistance. She was urgent in her desire that I understand just how important this charity is to the medical center. We returned to our business, but before she left to fetch the surgeon, she turned back and said a very heart-felt "Thank you." The next story comes from the Pre-admissions Department where people go to have medical tests done before they enter the hospital for treatment. The EKG technician knew immediately what a meal packet is. She spoke about how far patients travel to come to UVA for their care and how terribly sick many people are by the time they arrive at UVA for care. Many arrive with nothing. The meals, hotel rooms, car seats, co-pays and other services that the IHS provide are essential and not available any other way. This technician, too, expressed profound appreciation to the Reverends Clegg and the unique assistance of the IHS. My final story is about a conversation with a social worker in the cancer center. Her reaction when I told her I help with meal packets was dramatic: She cried. Like the two others, her account of the work of the IHS was about the urgency of the need and about how the Cleggs are available at all times to do whatever they can to relieve suffering and support patients and their families who have no one else to help at such critical and unhappy times. My own story is different I'm local. I have friends and family here to help and I have good insurance. It's difficult to imagine how much harder it would be to be sick if I did not have this kind of support in my life. I am, once again, amazed and proud to be part of the Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum. If you are considering making a donation of meal packets or funds to go toward hotel rooms, co-pays, car seats or other critical items that IHS provides, you should know that this operation is very effective and very much appreciated by the UVA Medical Center community. Sincerely ... Margaret Gorman

Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) Kick-off October 1st

IHS enters second year in CVC ... same code 3648 UVA Medical Center is a state hospital, and CVC is the tool that facilitates State Employee workplace giving. More than 1,300 charities participate in this annual campaign. Employees may designate their gift to a specific charity or multiple charities within the program by giving a one-time donation or through payroll deduction.  Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum (IHS)  began with twenty (20) contributors last year, and needs a considerable increase this year and into the future. Exposure to IHS is heavily dependent on UVA Medical Center Personnel Sharing As most friends of this charity know, the indigent population which we serve come from all over Virginia and West Virginia to be treated at UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville.  Last week a patient in Virginia was assisted with lodging after a call from a social worker indicated that all rooms were filled in Hospitality House. That patient's one way journey was 320 miles.  Our involvement with assistance is of course centered in Charlottesville, but most patients and families served with temporary lodging, food, prescriptions, co-pays and Pediatric Clinic needs, such as infant car seats, are coming from well beyond 60 miles, most averaging 176 miles one-way for treatment which is available to them nowhere else. IHS was created to meet the needs of those who were and still are not being served by any other sources to the degree absolutely needed, and we are doing it by making ourselves available 24/7 when a social worker calls. Opportunities for Newer Charity Exposure to State Employees in Charlottesville Area is practically non-existent This charity knew that CVC Charity Fairs were vital for exposure as a new entry in strengthening the safety net; however, that link with state workers at an agency, the University, or within the Medical Center for a day of exposure via table display and handouts is no longer available in this part of Virginia.  We have urged CVC to consider how limiting this is for new charities with little exposure to this very important region; however,  there appears to be a reluctance for making this opportunity available in Charlottesville and surrounding counties.  THE ONLY WAY that will re-invigorate charity exposure through CVC Fairs  in Central Virginia is for state employees to ASK for annual days of exposure in their agency or institution, and promote attention to such events. Richmond area is actively involved with promotion of CVC Fairs for Annual Exposure There is a broad vitality in areas like Richmond, where multiple agencies provide state employees an opportunity to get to know who is devoted to making a difference. That opportunity does not exist in central Virginia. If an institution, hospital branch, or agency decides that a CVC Fair opportunity can serve to enlighten staff as to ALL  CVC approved charities serving their community, that needs to be projected to the CVC Director, Anne Dinterman at Anne.dinterman@dhrm.virginia.gov. Ms. Dinterman said that "CVC is run by employees for employees." Then it is time for employees to communicate with CVC and express an interest in allowing for exposure for all those new charities who are seeking to strengthen the safety net, and perhaps allow EVERY CVC eligible charity a chance to provide state employees a chance to get to know them. Ms. Dinterman also said that "25% of all CVC donations come from the Charlottesville area of the state, and that employees are passionate about workplace giving, and employees are informed about workplace giving."  We are aware of the passion expressed by those who know of our participation, but there is an absolute limitation on state employees being fully informed. Perhaps with an invigoration of CVC Fairs in Charlottesville, being FULLY INFORMED WILL BECOME A REALITY.   If any state employee would like to see that opportunity extended to ALL charities, including IHS, there is no time like now to express that interest. The new CVC website for exploration of workplace giving is www.cvc.virginia.gov. IHS encourages state employee involvement in this marvelous workplace program, and we will continue to encourage expanding all opportunities for total exposure. Blessings ... T. Wade

Following a Long Summer, IHS Friends are Back to Assist

The Group that initiated the IHS Meal Packet Program Thomas  Jefferson Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist (TJM-UU) of Charlottesville, Virginia prepares for another year of assisting the IHS Meal Packet Program. On Sunday August 19 the Church dedicated their monthly "Social Action Collection" to collect funds that will allow them to buy foods and supplies that will be turned into meal packets for the people we serve. Margaret Gorman speaks to TJM UU Church Congregation responds Church member and IHS Board member Margaret Gorman spoke to the congregation during morning worship service, and they responded generously. The church now has $2,131.00 to apply toward meal packets supplies. This should provide about 300-350 full-day meal packets; perhaps more if church shoppers  are able to find special sale prices for the items that they need. The church children, youth, and adults will all have opportunities to assemble meal packets and create the greeting cards that are enclosed for recipients. What Began in June 2009 is only growing Rain or shine, summer or winter, 200-250 full-day meal packets are delivered monthly to the Office of Social Work at UVA Medical Center for access by social workers to provide to long distance caregivers (mostly indigent situations), seeking to exist on minimum nutritional needs while supporting a loved one in the hospital. The TJM UU Church has been the anchor group for  sustaining  the program, as other church classes, scouts, schools, and families pitch in annually with assembling  parties to fulfill this vital need. Listen to Margaret's Presentation to the Church via the link below Click Microphone 16 people with Division 5A, Capital District of Key Club made a difference Key Club Group Responded Quickly in August IHS received an e-mail from Danielle Horridge, Key Club International, Capital District Lieutenant Governor, on the evening of August 11.  Danielle announced that Division 5A of the Capital District of Key Club will have 16 participants (11 Key Clubbers from Albemarle HS, Charlottesville HS, Fluvanna County HS, Monticello HS, and Western Albemarle HS as well as 5 members of the Charlottesville Kiwanis Club) at their President's Council Meeting/ Service Project on August 12. After the meeting the group was to make 50 meal packets from items donated by the members as well as Kroger. Her only question:  "Where do I deliver?" From First Notice to Delivery in 12 hours ... What a Pleasant Surprise Danielle Horridge delivers a trunk load of meals Danielle arrived at the IHS Office at Crofton Plaza at Lake Monticello Sunday afternoon right on schedule.  She delivered 52 full-day meal packets, each with a very personal note enclosed. In addition there were some extra items for IHS stocking supplies for making further packets. Danielle said that she had been in contact with Margaret Gorman, and learned of the IHS Program from members of the Western Albemarle High School Key Club. That group bought, assembled, boxed and provided meal packets earlier in the year. Danielle explained that her division does not personally have a website, but the district does. The link is http://www.capitalkeyclub.org   Thanks to everyone who participated in the event. That's enough meals for a week and will feed fifty people with so very few funds to sustain while waiting in the UVA Medical Center. An Important Reminder There are two parts to the IHS Food Program which serves patients and families so far from home.  These visitors are either in out-patient treatment and staying in UVA Hospitality House (which is supplied by IHS with food for guests every other week) or they are family caregivers, mostly parents staying with their children in Pediatrics for weeks, even months, as a child waits for a transplant or is fighting for life from an accident or disease.  The list is long for why someone has traveled to this healthcare center, but the need is absolute and often the only place for the indigent population of Virginia. Not eating should never be a part of the suffering which is already occupying someone's life. How Easy to make a difference in the lives of so many If  your church group, club, troop or civic organization is looking for an easy, important and fun volunteer project, or if you and some friends would like to get together to do an activity that has an impact on other people's lives, please look at the "Food Program" section of the IHS website for instructions on how to create meal packets, or how to donate funds designated for the charity to make meals.  What a terrific opportunity to be involved with children in shopping, selecting, making personal notes and filling gallon size plastic bags with a full day's nutrition, and teaching generosity all at the same time.  Click on the above hyperlink for details... Blessings ... T. Wade

Casting a Small Net Can Reap Abundance

Notes from T. Wade Clegg III About four weeks ago I wrote to a dozen close friends of the charity who have possible contacts for collection of infant clothes. Most are women who have been very supportive of the charity in a variety of ways. I asked for them to reach out to their personal contacts for both gently used and perhaps new infant clothes for those indigent children in the UVA Pediatric Clinics.  Just as IHS provides infant child safety seats as needed, these same children are often returning to a home with little or no clothing, diapers, etc. Pediatric Clothing Requests have been another category of increased need   The range of sizes needed dictates having a diversity of clothing to meet immediate needs, or funds for purchase as needed, or to keep in stock as calls are received.  Requests for either a boy or girl, 0-3 months, 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years, and above 2 years. However, the most prominent sizes are the 0-3 months, especially socks and "onesies."  Last month we were caught without clothing for the tiniest size, and three babies needed assistance quickly. A quick trip to a Walmart sale to meet those minimum requests allowed us to realize what "sticker shock" awaits an indigent family for their baby. An Exceptional Gift from The Paul Stefan Foundation Paul Stefan Foundations Residents Tina Schweikart, already fully supportive with full-day meal packets through the Louisa Boy Scouts twice annually, sent an e-mail almost immediately. Tina is the Office Manager for The Paul Stefan Foundation,  whose mission is to provide transitional housing to pregnant women and their babies who have nowhere to go. The program is open to all women, who may stay up to 2 years in a safe homely environment where each mom works with a counselor toward continued education, employment, and child care education. Tina e-mailed: "The Foundation was formed by Randy and Evelyn James. Randy is President and CEO, and Evelyn is the Executive Director.  We currently have two (2) homes located in Unionville, Virginia, and each home can accommodate 5 moms and 5 babies. The generosity of our community will allow us to share with your charity." On July 25th, Tina and CEO Randy James arrived at the IHS Storage and Assembly Office at 105 Crofton Plaza at Lake Monticello, Virginia. Earlier when Tina said, "We have a ton of items for those babies," I had no idea that she was speaking literally.  Tina arrived in her SUV with the rear filled, and Randy came in a pickup with twelve (12) large bins and additional clothing in bags. It was indeed a marvelous expression of generosity, and deliveries to UVA Pediatric Social Worker Teresa Bevins begins this week. A few more comments about the Paul Stefan Foundation We hope you will connect with the link and learn more about the devotion of this wonderful charity which is dedicated to expansion as they secure young women and their newborns. Quite frankly, very few programs have such an extended assistance up to two years, and then still offers continued support with house supplies, diapers, cribs, etc.  The Paul Stefan Foundation offers that springboard for a future. It is indeed a most admirable undertaking. Thanks to Randy and Evelyn James, Tina Schweikart and staff for their generosity. You are invited to learn about this new friend of Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum, another non-religious charity,  reaching out with options for young women of many cultures. You will find a lot of information at their website at http://www.paulstefanhome.org. The site will soon be updated for information on their Gala/Casino night scheduled for October 20, 2012. Sorting through the Treasure and labeling is no easy task As of August 13, most of the delivery from the Paul Stefan delivery has been separated into smaller boxes, separated by sizes, and category of clothing. This was no easy task. Thanks to the Leiva girls of Lake Monticello, Cecilia Leiva and her daughters,  Cindy and Jocelyn, for their hours of assisting with clothing and packaging meal packets in the Crofton Plaza Office in late July.  Thanks to Board Member Danielle Devereux for bringing out some men's clothing, which will be given to the social worker in ER for those situations when an adult male arrives for treatment and ends up needing a change of clothes when released. A final important update regarding our support of UVA Pediatrics During the first half of 2012, IHS has obtained 24 infant car seats (regular and premie sizes), and delivered 20 seats for the UVA Pediatric Clinics. The projection for this year remains at 40-50 infant car seats, so we are only half-way home for meeting this need. The Paul Stefan Foundation infant clothing donation will allow for considerable assistance for many months; however, anytime you are in a Target, Walmart, Sears, Penny's or any baby clothing store, always consider packets of socks for tiny feet, little packets of caps for tiny heads, and "onesies" any time. The need does not cease. The Emergency Room (ER) social workers have suggested that large and medium jogging outfits, gently used or new, are the optimum clothing for accident victims to have when being released. So often clothing is necessarily discarded after an accident. Your donation of a jogging outfit can be so important upon release for men and women. Of course we can save you some shopping with a periodic donation, dedicated to any of these categories year round: Lodging, Food, Co-Pay/Prescriptions, Baby Items and ER jogging outfits. Assistance with electric breast pump rentals falls under Baby items. Thanks for your review and consideration. Never hesitate to call and ask us to visit your church, school, club, business, or nurses and doctors association meetings to relate the value of this charity for the indigent patients and families being treated at UVA Medical Center. Ten minutes with a group can make such a difference. Blessings ... T. Wade

SPECIAL NOTICE for UVA Medical and University staff, and all other state employees. The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) 2012 begins October 1st.  Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum, Inc. (IHS) is a CVC charity.  To support our work for lodging, food programs, prescriptions & co-pays, pediatric support with infant car seats and clothing, etc. , designate your gift to CVC code 3648..

Need a Worthy Family Task during the Summer Break?

A Note from Margaret Gorman, IHS Meal Packet Coordinator, Ivy, Virginia We are in our summer lull for food donations from clubs and churches and eagerly wait for our friends to start up their assistance again. While we wait, perhaps you can put together a few meal packets and email us to come get them? Or, send us a cash donation so we can explore markets for the most reasonable purchases for assembly of meals. Each meal packet now costs from $5-$6.  After all, it is for a full day's nourishment for a patient or a family member coming from hundreds of miles without adequate funds to eat, while being treated at the UVA Medical Center. If you need to know more, visit our food program web page at  http://www.interfaithhumanitariansanctum.org/food.php If you live in the Central Virginia area, at least not more than 60 miles from Charlottesville, an IHS representative is prepared to plan with you for a time and place to retrieve your supply.  If you are traveling into Fluvanna County  near Lake Monticello, IHS has an office (105 Crofton Plaza near the front gate) for food storage and full-day meal packet assembly sessions. Simply make a call or e-mail us and someone will work to collect your meal packets. If you are coming to downtown Charlottesville, we  meet people to transfer from car to car deliveries in Barracks Road Shopping Center. Then we meet with contributors in Hot Cakes Restaurant (next to the CVS Pharmacy). Hot Cakes is one of  THE best caterers in Virginia, and a good friend of the charity. It's a  lovely little restaurant with excellent food.   When a family member comes home, there is always time for some charitable activity My son, Stuart Gorman, and I assembled 22 meal packets this past week. Our goal was 20 meals, but I miscounted a couple of items and some boxes had more than 20 units. Stuart sorted this out and it came out a little better. He also took a trip down memory lane while shopping for food items. He saw the small tubs of diced pears, a favorite school lunch box item when he was a child. Stuart was home visiting from Dublin, Ireland, where he's pursuing a PhD in Medieval History. If anyone wants to know more about armor, castles and weapons of the 100 Years War of the 1400's, or if you need someone to come over to appraise your suit of armor or crossbow, please contact him through IHS.  Keep in mind that IHS delivers from 100-125 full-day meal packets every two weeks to the UVA Office of Social Work for access by all social workers as needed in the hospital. For the first six months of 2012, IHS  has delivered 1,274 full-day meal packets. The majority of those meals have provided nourishment for parents in Pediatric Clinics who are here every day for weeks and even months while their child is being treated for a critical situation.                                                                      Thanks for your consideration ... Margaret

4th of July Meal at HH a Big Hit

A Note from Mary Jackson, Supervisor, UVA Hospitality House Hello To All. I just wanted to send a "Very Special Thank You" to everyone who helped with our July 4th cookout.  There was plenty of food and we still have leftovers. Due to the extreme heat we decided to serve inside. Tom Bninski and I braved the heat and cooked hot dogs and hamburgers for approximately 24 guests. Our menu included hot dogs, burgers, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, cole slaw, chips, watermelon,  drinks and pound cake. We also offered ice cream cones. We could not have done this without the many donations that you provided.  Tom and I worked the day shift and enjoyed preparing and setting up for the meal. Marjorie Riddle our 3rd shift staff had everything in place, baked beans, cutting up all the onions, tomatoes, lettuce, watermelon, drink on ice by the time I arrived on Wednesday. Barbara Matysek our 2nd shift staff did cleanup and stored all the leftovers. It was truly an enjoyable time. Our guests were so excited and had a wonderful time chatting with staff and other guests. I will be sending out Thank You notes to everyone involved. We asked all the guests to sign and we are working on catching up with some that did not. One special thanks to the Whole Foods Market, and specifically Kristen Rabourdin, Marketing Department for the generosity with providing the meats, buns, salad  and a case of organic lemonade drinks for this holiday gathering. July 3rd was also weekly delivery day by Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum (IHS), our only consistent provider of food supplies.  This delivery included all of the condiments and cold salads and veggies for rounding out a really delicious offering.  The weekly replenishment of food stock is vital to Hospitality House (HH), and the mostly indigent population who are here from great distances. IHS credits the opportunity to serve HH with the 2011 grant for 2012 which is dedicated to our food needs by Bama Works Fund of Dave Matthews Band in Charlottesville Area Community Foundation (CACF).    God bless you all for sharing and caring. Your thoughtfulness was so appreciated.  Much love... Mary Extra Notes from T. Wade Clegg III, President, IHS Next Holiday Meal days at UVA Hospitality House Mark your calendar!  Thanksgiving meal will be on November 22nd (Thursday); Christmas meal will be on December 25th( Tuesday).  If you would like to add a single item to the many which are needed for these holiday meals for those out patients who are here for continuing treatment , please call or e-mail IHS and we will provide ideas which can be used for the special meals, and can carryover for use following the holiday. Nothing goes to waste.  Whatever you or your group can contribute, we await that contact. Full-day Meal Packet Program can use Your support With school out for another two months, the full-day meal program is being sustained with purchases of food items and meal-making by the IHS staff.  If any local church, school, business, day school, club, scout troops, or individual families would like to add to our supplies,  we would be very appreciative. Each meal purchased and made by staff diminishes total funds;  therefore, it is those donations of meal packets by various groups which allow for funds to be held to sustain all programs. Review the link for guidance and let us know if you or your organization can assist in these out of school months especially.  Each full-day meal packet takes from $5-$7 for a truly solid packet. Monetary contributions can be dedicated to the Food Account, the Pediatric Support Account or the General account, which supports lodging, prescriptions, co-pay and other unmet needs.   Many thanks ...  T. Wade