IHS Meal Packet Program Received BIG October Boost!

Henley Middle School in Crozet and Louisa Scouts Made IT Happen NOTES from Henley Middle School by Amy Effland Saturday, October 27 marked the 22nd annual Make A Difference Day, the nation's largest day of volunteering. At J. T. Henley Middle School in Crozet, students, faculty and staff have spent three weeks collecting donations of food and money to prepare meals for IHS. Margaret & Amy moving meals to waiting cars A group of students led by Brooke Crouch and Madison Crouch set into motion a school-wide collection drive. Money that was donated was used to purchase items needed to round out the meals, as well as plastic bags to hold the meals, paper bowls for heating soups and oatmeal, plastic spoons and napkins. Several students spent their October Activity Period writing encouraging quotes and notes of support to recipients of the meals. Then on that Saturday, the school was open and the cafeteria tables were piled high as 366 meals were thoughtfully packaged into gallon bags, boxed and ready for pickup on October 28. 2012 Make A Difference Day Chair, Jennifer Locasale-Crouch and 6th grade teacher Amy Effland want to thank everyone who helped in some small way to make a big difference. We have already begun planning for Make A Difference Day 2013 with a vision of every Henley student packing one meal - tripling the donation of 2012! NOTES from Louisa by Kathleen Church The joint efforts of Louisa Cub Scout Pack 183 and Boy Scout Troop 183 produced 61 full-day meal packets during their gathering on October 24th. Jim Snider is the cub master, and Jim Harlow is the scout master. This enthusiastic group of scouts and parents dedicate October and March of each year for the purchase and assembling of meal packets for Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum's food program. The troops have now been involved with this on-going assistance for the last two years. BSA Troop 183 meets every Monday evening at 6:30 PM at the United Methodist Church located at 301 W. 3rd Street in Mineral. All boys 11-17 are welcome to join us. http://www.troop183mineralva.scoutlander.com/publicsite/unithome.aspx?UID=15493 Cub Scout Pack 183 meets weekly each Tuesday at 6:30 PM at Louisa Baptist Church located at 305 E. Main Street in Louisa. A NOTE from T. Wade Clegg III, President, IHS This past Sunday when we arrived to pick up the Henley Middle School donation at the school in Crozet, we were met by Margaret Gorman, the IHS Meal Packet Coordinator. What a delightful surprise to have Margaret present, and holding doors as we carted out the large load of meals. Margaret also handed us 20 more meal packets personally made by Annie Taylor, a Western Albemarle High School student. Annie explained that she made the meal packets for her voluntary community service hours required for Western Key Club and her Congressional Award. Many thanks to Annie for this personal contribution. That's a grand total from the three contributions above of 447 full-day meal packets as we head into the November-December holiday season. With present monthly demand of about 250 meals per month, this is truly a wonderful way to end October for this hospital program. A Final NOTE from Margaret Gorman It should be evident how quickly the meal packets are used; therefore, IHS is delighted when other groups, businesses, clubs, scouts, church classes, school classes and families pick a month and plan to purchase items and assemble packets in this never-ending effort. The IHS Food Program has an excellent description and guide. Sincerely ... T. Wade Clegg

When Giving Is Just A Matter of Shopping

Please download and post this shopping announcement on your refrigerator! THEN - forward this e-mail to friends in the Charlottesville area for the widest possible exposure.   Why? Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum (IHS) has been selected for participation in Whole Foods Market's 5% Day! Five percent of the day's net sales will be donated to IHS.            Suggestion: Plan your Thanksgiving shopping for this November 14th (Wednesday). Remember also that Thursday, November 15, is a UVA football game in C'ville ... so stock up for guests.   Where and when? Whole Foods Market, 1797 Hydraulic Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901. All day as convenient. Store hours 8 AM - 10 PM that Wednesday, November 14th.   Some notes for consideration:   IHS volunteers will be in the store throughout the day, assisting with bagging groceries, and assisting customers in any way possible. Plus, we will have a table and signs for information on the IHS mission. IHS friends with musical talents will be playing sets throughout the day for your shopping pleasure.   The IHS Mission: Continue strengthening the safety net for indigent patients and families in need of temporary assistance with lodging, food, co-pay, prescriptions, travel and pediatric needs such as infant car seats, clothing, and electric breast pump rentals for uninsured mothers, who come from great distances for medical services at UVA Medical Center.   Just in case the recipient to whom you graciously forward this e-mail does not know:   IHS is a totally independent, non-religious, nonprofit, no stock, 501(c)3, ALL volunteer, public charity dedicated solely to the mission statement above. Working closely with the UVA Medical Center Social Staff, which screens and approves those eligible for assistance, IHS is the 24/7 responder when a social worker calls. Day or night for the last 1,580+ days since June 2009 no patient or family member has ever been charged for any assistance provided.     Fundraising for a relatively unknown or behind the scenes charity is challenging ... but IHS has never said NO to a UVA social worker. People without funds for basic survival needs often arrive hungry and in immediate need of shelter, hundreds of miles from home and already suffering medically. Such situations must never be delayed for the next morning. Your review of the IHS categories of assistance is documented monthly at our blog site which is accessed from the website home page at  http://www.interfaithhumanitariansanctum.org. Thank you.   Sincerely ... T. Wade Clegg

Quick Updates for Friends of IHS

Margaret Gorman is home and resting Most followers of charity activities will immediately know of Margaret's last letter which was published first as an e-mail and is now on our blog site dated September 29, 2012 at http://www.interfaithsanctum.blogspot.com. Also, we have corrected her speech to a large congregation which can be heard by clicking on the microphone in the September 7, 2012 blog posting. It's only 6 minutes long.  Margaret is a board member and our full-day meal packet coordinator. Please scroll back at the blog site and read her notes and listen to the very moving speech.   We received a short e-mail from Phil Gorman, Margaret's son on October 10th. He said, "I'm writing on behalf of my mom. Her surgery went well yesterday and she's recovering in the hospital. We expect her to come home today." This is good news.  Margaret is missed. Need for Infant car safety seats has exceeded original projection - HELP WITH FUNDS NEEDED! Teresa Bevins receiving latest infant seats at UVA As of October 11th, IHS has obtained a total of 36 infant seats.  The original total projection for all UVA Pediatric Clinics in need of these safety seats was only 30 for the entire year. It now appears that as many as 50 will be needed before year end.   Just to offer some insight regarding these seats, we have an arrangement with a Walmart Super Center for purchase at a solid discount, but because we only purchase 2-3 at a time based on funds in the Baby Account, we are forced on occasion to purchase the brands available in the store.  If we were able to purchase perhaps 6-12 at a time, we could secure the brand most reasonable and with a discount, and also secure the "neutral" color during the order. Once again, normally the "premie" seat is about $50.00 and the "regular" seat is $35.00. When the most reasonable brand is not in stock, a single premie seat from some manufacturers can be closer to $60.00 even with discounting.  Remember - as nice as it would be to accept a one-time user seat from a contributor, we must purchase NEW seats still packaged when presented to UVA Pediatrics for those underfunded families to install in a vehicle when they leave with their child.   One group heard our appeal last month Leia Durland-Jones's classes (4 year olds - 5th grades) at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial UU Church made a donation through PayPal  on  September 12th of $200.00. The donation was voted on by the children from their offering money from Children's Worship for purchase of infant car seats. Their donation was used over the last few weeks for purchase of four infant car seats.  To all the children at TJM UU Church, thanks so much for all you do for the patients and families at UVA Medical Center. A First Mention of Vital Importance  - mark your calendar for November 14th! IHS has been selected for participation in Whole Foods Market's 5% Day at the Charlottesville store. We will need 48 volunteers to assist with bagging groceries, while wearing an apron showing the IHS emblem and assisting customers from 8 AM - 10 PM.  Shifts of 3-4 hours must be filled with about 12 people per shift.  Even if you are not able to help with the lifting job, please plan to come and shop for Thanksgiving early.  Remember - 5% of sales will be contributed to this charity for covering so many activities.  It's time to SHOP, SHOP, SHOP! More details by clicking here to e-mailing us for the complete schedule and how you can participate. We really need your assistance. That date again:  November 14th (Wednesday) ALL DAY! Sincerely ... T. Wade Clegg

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