First Grant could not be more timely!

On December 14th the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation (CACF) announced $337,300 in grants to 43 local nonprofits through the Bama Works Fund of Dave Matthews Band in CACF. One of those 43 grateful recipients is Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum (IHS).     The Dave Matthews Band IHS received a letter on December 13th from John Redick, President of CACF, with a check for $10,000.00 to be used for assistance with programs providing food for patients and families at the University of Virginia (UVA) hospital.   In his press release Mr. Redick had these comments: "The Dave Matthews Band's continued generosity to the people of this community is remarkable. Through the Bama Works Fund in CACF, established in 1998, the Band touched and improved the lives of many in our local area. The Community Foundation is deeply grateful for their support and for the good work of the deserving organizations which will benefit from the gifts being announced today."   For those not familiar with the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, CACF is a permanent endowment dedicated to improving the quality of life in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties of Albemarle, Greene, Orange, Louisa, Fluvanna, Buckingham, and Nelson. Since its inception in 1967, the CACF has provided over $43 million in grants.   For a complete list of the happily surprised 43 charities, please access the CACF website at  www.cacfonline.org.   What the Grant means for the IHS Food Program   This grant will support the IHS full-day Meal Packet Program for the Social Office workers within the main Hospital, and for the first time, allow for a consistent monthly food delivery for the UVA Hospitality House (HH). It is anticipated that the grant will assist with about 60% of our food purchases for both food projects for 2012.     The full-day Meal Packet Program, under the guidance of Margaret Gorman, is based on community assembly sessions by church classes, scout troops, schools and even neighborhood work parties. The cumulative collection monthly from various groups allows for this charity to maintain the 100-150 meal packets delivered every two weeks. The grant will allow us to secure production of meal packets, especially during summer breaks when most groups are on vacation.     UVA Hospitality House (HH) Food assistance is now secure for 2012   We learned of the potential loss of the Hospitality House's only consistent food grant of $400 monthly several months ago. Anticipating this loss, we appealed in our grant request for funds to instigate a consistent monthly food program. This grant arrived just in time to pick up a significant food load at HH. We will actually purchase food and deliver to HH every two weeks. First delivery was last week. With the grant we were also able to secure the Christmas meal for those guests at the House during this holiday period.   Thanks to the Dave Matthews Band for the music ... and their exceptional generosity!   On behalf of all of us who seek to make a difference for those long distance patients and caregivers with limited income who come to this community for treatment at the UVA Medical Center, this fantastic contribution could not have arrived at a more opportune time. We do not operate on the basis of seasonal needs ... the need for lodging, food, co-pay, prescription and travel assistance is never-ending; however, this particular food grant is that unexpected boost which has lifted our spirits even higher.   To All of those faithful donors to this charity and this new friend of the charity, we wish you and yours the very best of holidays with family and friends.   Blessings .... The Volunteers of Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum

Santa Came to Town and Did NOT Let Us Down!

Some siblings can't be separated and really enjoy sharing.

Last Saturday was a special opportunity to support a business friend of IHS.  Knowing our special relationship with the giving community, and how that influences a particular fellow who delights in giving, Marjorie Adam of The Marjorie Adam Team, a Charlottesville Realtor,  requested that we seek out a special early visit by Santa. And guess what?  HE CAME!

Marjorie wrote this short note below and provided the following photos to share with readers of this blog. It was a lovely opportunity for Marjorie, her guests and their children, and Santa said he really likes coming to Virginia.

This kid is fixated, but not on Santa

"December is the time of year when our team reflects upon the past year and how fortunate we have been, and we look to continue to give back to our community. My favorite part of giving back is combining fun and family with giving. We truly value and appreciate our past clients, friends and business partners and we enjoy spending time with them. This year, we decided to have Santa come to our house to take photos with our friends and clients, saving them a trip to the mall. We of course did not charge for this, but we asked our clients to make a charitable contribution to IHS. It was a win-win. Our clients got a wonderful visit and photo with Santa, we got to spend fun time with them and IHS received some much needed and much deserved help. We highly encourage people to combine a fun get together with giving, and we thank Santa and his IHS helpers .

Sincerely,  Marjorie Adam,  REALTOR,  
www.marjorieadamteam.com"

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

When a girl needs time to think ...
Santa can just wait

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danc'd in their heads,
And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap -

When it's really cozy curled up in Santa's lap,why say anything?

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below;
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

Sisters bring a lot of joy and smiles when meeting Santa

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and call'd them by name:
"Now! Dasher, now! Dancer, now! Prancer and Vixen,
"On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Donder and Blitzen;
"To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
"Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys - and St. Nicholas too:

And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

This was no little girl; she's one of the Adam Team members!

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound:
He was dress'd all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnish'd with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys was flung on his back,
And he look'd like a peddler just opening his pack:
His eyes - how they twinkled! His dimples: how merry,
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

This little guy never stopped smiling and said very little.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face, and a little round belly
That shook when he laugh'd, like a bowl full of jelly:
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laugh'd when I saw him in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

Happy Holidays from
the Adam Team
family

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And fill'd all the stockings; then turn'd with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle:
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight -
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

-Clement Clark Moore

It's All About a Cummulative Collection of Giving

We have many people to thank for food donations recently, and it's a pleasure to continue to recognize groups, families and individuals in this never-ending challenge. It is our hope that readers of this very intimate blog entry will recognize what "cumulative" really means. J.T. Henley Middle School Concludes "Make a Difference Day" Project Our friends at J. T. Henley Middle School in Crozet, VA recently sent over 21 meals. This concludes their remarkable "Make a Difference Day" project, coordinated by Amy Effland.  This was an ambitious project, and Amy had to organize it quickly. It called for a lot of communication and flexibility and involved many people from different parts of the school.  In all we received 322 meals from Henley.   Local Family Helps Out We also want to thank Amy Effland and her family, John, Ryan and Connor, for the 25 additional meal packets that they assembled at home. That's a very nice surprise to come home from work and find three large boxes of meals sitting on the porch. They are much appreciated and will be go over to the Medical Center soon. Monticello District, Boy Scouts of America Boy Scout and Cub Scout leaders with meal packets they assembled at their monthlyh Roundtable in Charlottesville, VA Our local district of the Boy Scouts of America holds a monthly "Roundtable" meeting for leaders. Last December, 2010, I introduced the meal packet project at Roundtable.  I developed them using my training as a Boy Scout Leader and backpacking experience with the Scouts. In backpacking and in assembling IHS meal packets the goal is compact, non-perishable food that is simple to prepare, filling and nutritious.   This year, 2011, my husband Mike arrived at the December Roundtable to find a meal packet assembly line set up.  Scout leaders told the group about how their youth had helped over the past year and talked about their goal of continued assistance. Everyone had the opportunity to fill bags with food and Mike came home with 50 meals and extras items that I combined with supplies from my stash to come up with a total of 53 meal packets. Thank you so much to the Monticello District of the Stonewall Jackson Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. Special thanks to Peggy Ives, Roundtable Commissioner, and the other people who shopped for and laid out the meal packet supplies. Over the past year the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from several counties have been our greatest supporters.  They have given us hundreds of meals, and we are very appreciative. And finally ...It's nice when your friends and family support your hobby I want to thank my colleagues, Linda and Andrea, for thinking of IHS when they were shopping at Sam's Club. I found cases of breakfast bars, peanut butter crackers, applesauce cups, etc. sitting at my desk at work one morning before Thanksgiving.  I bought microwave entrees at the store and we had everything else to assemble meal packets in my stash of extras at home.  My family put together 24 meal packets after dinner on Thanksgiving Day. The above people produced 123 full-day meal packets. This represents our minimum need every two weeks at the UVA Medical Center to make sure that no caregiver or outpatient from out of town for many days goes without food. It is estimated that this quantity of very deliberately assembled nutritious items is valued at no less than $615.00. These packets are meant to sustain for the day! The need for meal packets will not go away soon. We so appreciate your assistance in helping people. I hope this cumulative review will allow others to consider how it comes together, and join in this most worthy of projects. Thanks to all of you. Blessings, Margaret Gorman, IHS Meal Packet Program Coordinator

Every Day Allows for Giving Thanks

It's good to have a dedicated holiday to gather with friends and family.  All of us need a set-aside day to sit across the table and renew the bonds which bind. Sometimes it is that set-aside day which allows people to have time to travel. Sometimes people find themselves traveling away from home with far too few funds to support themselves, but their duty to themselves or a loved one must take priority.    Students push meal packets boxes up ramp, but one slipped off. Student shouted "Drop Zone!" Those people being served by Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum, Inc. have come to Charlottesville, Virginia with an abundance of hope. They are being treated for a very serious medical problem, or they are here as the closest  family member or caregiver,  waiting and hoping for a loved one's recovery.  Our purpose is dedicated to making sure that to the degree it is possible to offer temporary assistance as they establish a plan forward to balance their further need for lodging, food, co-pays and travel.  There are many in this community, inside and outside the UVA Medical Center, who are passionately dedicated to the welfare of these patients and families. To all of you who are among that Fraternal Order of Giving, we are so very thankful to be blessed with this opportunity to help secure these patients and families, mostly indigent, in a time of desperation. For those who have donated to IHS and other charities, YOU ARE THAT CRITICAL DIFFERENCE IN OUR ABILITY TO FUNCTION AND  FULFILL  OUR PURPOSE.  Thank you for Giving. A Very Special Class of Donors visited UVA Medical  Center last week Waiting for elevators up to UVA Social Office On November 15th a middle size yellow school  bus arrived at 12:15 PM at the UVA Medical Center's rear loading dock.  A space was  reserved  next to the rear entrance ramp for parking. The Henley Middle School Functional Skills Class, their teacher Amy Hovis, and several aids had arrived with the final boxes of full day meal packets from the past month's project at Henley Middle School in Crozet. That project and photos of their grocery store shopping spree is featured in IHS blog entry on October 28, 2011. The Skills Class has been instrumental in raising funds, purchasing food items and then assembling with other  students in a school project which produced more than 322 full day meal packets. The final 49 meals were delivered personally during the class's visit to the Medical Center Social Office. Clinical Social Worker Teresa Bevins lead the group to the special storage area  where the meals are maintained for access to all social workers for caregivers in their sections, especially in Pediatrics.  Ms. Bevins also Everyone gathered for a photo before leaving Social Office spent time explaining the procedures and benefits of the program , and how the class's donations are immediately available and used daily.  She indicated that no less than 100-150 meals are needed every two weeks. UVA Medical Center has been a special part of the lives of these particular students, and many saw professional staff whom they recognized just during the trip up and back to the Social Office.  To these marvelously giving students who understand the value of medical professionals, as former patients, and wanted to experience the completion of their  purchases and assembly sessions, right to the source where the need is fulfilled,  this visit was truly meaningful. Blessings ...  from all of us at IHS and our supporters

A Terrific November ... thanks to so many!

It is so gratifying to know that we are able to be a part of the safety net for UVA Medical Center patients and families who come from such distances, often not knowing where they will sleep or eat. As you know, we can't be specific with details for privacy reasons. Perhaps it helps to know that one situation, which tends to happen frequently, provides an example of IHS being the only source available to assist. A mother and baby are transferred from another hospital at a great distance to UVA Medical Center where the baby is entered into the NICU (Neo-intensive Care Unit).  Both Mother and baby arrive in a medical vehicle.   Parents are not allowed to remain in the NICU with their babies, and upon arrival the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) was completely full.  It so happened that UVA Hospitality House was also full.  When social worker MT called in mid-afternoon, it was evident that neither facility would have an opening that night, and this very stressed out mother had no funds to cover her needs while in Charlottesville.  IHS places this mother in a commercial hotel within a short walk to the hospital and she is told of the full day meal packets available to her through her social worker. A room in Hospitality House opens within one day, and the day after she is placed in Ronald McDonald House. Problem solved ...thanks to friends who contribute to strengthening the safety net. Speaking of full day meals ... IHS received lots of help from a lot of kids this past month Louisa County Cub Scout Pack 183, led by Jim Snider, organized and completed an assembly of 60 full-day meal packets (and a couple of boxes of extra items for use in further IHS assembly sessions) which were delivered  on October 30th.  Pack 183 is made up of 1st-5th grade boys. Den responsibilities are rotating, with Shonda Brooks, Webelos 1 Den leader, and Tina Schweikart, Bears Den 5 leader, organizing this go-around. Also invited  to participate this past month was Louisa Boy Scout Troop 183, lead by Jim Harlow. This troop is all high school age boys. The older group supplied all paper products, ziplock bags, utensils and a large box of oat meal for delivery to UVA Hospitality House. They also joined the pack meeting to help assemble the total packets.  Tina related that it's a wonderful way for the older boys to help mentor the young boys, especially the Tiger age group, plus contribute to a wonderful community service project. Thanks Louisa! Thanks also to Brownie Troop 1234 of Charlottesville area for their November 2nd donation of 25 full-day meal packets and 24 snack packs. The leaders reported that they were happy to give true service with no reward or prizes other than the good feeling one has when doing something for others. When these combined scout sessions were completed, and all items combined, IHS will be able to secure two more weeks for food supplies for social worker needs in November and December.  THANKS TO ALL! Thanksgiving and IHS participation! Thanksgiving around the Table with Family Elisheva and I will be celebrating Thanksgiving in Los Angeles with our son and his wife and the expected baby to arrive on Thanksgiving Day.  It is our first trip in many years,  but an important family event.  Just sharing, since Sam McLawhorn will be monitoring the phones and e-mails, and making a meal delivery to the hospital when called.   However, before leaving this Sunday, please know that we stopped by Kroger Market in Barracks Road Shopping Center and secured a large turkey and ham to be prepared for delivery to UVA Hospitality House for those patients and families who must remain for further treatment over the holidays. For friends of the charity within the Charlottesville area, please know that Mary Jackson and her staff do marvelous things for their guests, and IHS is so pleased to make it more enjoyable. IF YOU LIVE IN CHARLOTTESVILLE AREA, AND WANT TO ADD TO THE FOOD NEEDS OVER A VERY LONG WEEKEND FOR ABOUT 30 HOSPITALITY HOUSE GUESTS ... PLEASE CALL MARY JACKSON AND ASK WHAT ITEMS SHE NEEDS TO MAKE THANKSGIVING EATING STRETCH FOR MANY DAYS FOR MANY PEOPLE.  Her number is 924-5722.  She will indicate what is needed and where to bring your food contribution. Hold the presses -  another assembly party just last night, November 15th. Here is the note from Adult Leader Scott Sims.  "17 Young Men and Young Women from the Rivanna Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had a very uplifting experience compiling 100 meal packets for IHS.  Several months of planning and purchasing food for these packets resulted in a fun-filled, inspiring activity where these youth were able to provide this great service to our Charlottesville community. Thanks to Youth leaders Brandon Mantell and Brianna Ashby for leading the charge, and adult leaders Forrest Johnson, Johanna Johnson, Miquelle Crosland, and Scott Sims. The church website is www.lds.org.   The Rivanna Ward Youth thanks IHS for all you do and for providing this opportunity to serve. " Blessings to all of you and yours ... T. Wade and Elisheva Clegg

Make a Difference Day at Henley School will feed hungry over many weeks!

Personal Notes from Margaret Gorman, IHS Meal Packet Coordinator   Life Skills class arrives at Big Lots for shopping spree J.T. Henley Middle School in Crozet, Virginia participated in "Make a Difference Day" by making meal packets for IHS. There's not enough room to tell you about all the ways the students participated, but for part of the story you can read a nice article by Bryan McKenzie from the Saturday, Oct. 21 Charlottesville Daily Progress newspaper (link to this article is below). I'd like to add that two girls raised $125 in a bake sale that we used to purchase food.  Harris Teeter Grocery Store in Crozet donated $50 and let us borrow two grocery carts that we are using for collecting donations and for moving food to various classrooms where the students assemble the meals. Students gave up free time to go to Ms. Effland's classroom to make greeting cards. About 20 students helped Margaret Gorman conduct a semi-scientific study to compare the efficiency and accuracy of two methods of assembling meal packets: piecemeal construction vs. the assembly line. The results suggest that Henry Ford had a good idea when he invented the automobile assembly line. Eighth grade students will receive community service credit for their help. Everyone who participated had a good time and knew they were providing valuable assistance to people who are going through a tough time. Two happy shoppers with longest grocery receipt in Big Lots day! I can't tell you enough about how much I appreciate the time and effort the Life Skills class put in to shopping, assembling meals and creating cards. The grocery receipt they produced on their shopping trip to Big Lots was about seven feet long.  One photo shows happy Life Skills class students displaying their large purchase. We want to express great appreciation to the J.T. Henley community for their success in this huge effort. Amy Effland, Amy Hovis and Teresa Goodin organized the effort. Susan Guerrant, Chuck Miller and Kevin Murphy provided great financial support, advise on logistics and publicity. The custodial staff collected nice boxes for packing the meals. The front office fielded questions and collected the donations for us. Maureen Russell gave her art classes the time and resources to produce beautiful greeting cards. Students filled three shopping carts with heaps of IHS food packet products. Enjoy reading the article, and contact us if you'd like to know more about how to participate. The 322 full day meal packets assembled by Henley Middle School is a new one-time assembly project record for an IHS contribution. Thank you Henley! Here is the direct link to the Daily Progress article: http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2011/oct/21/mckenzie-henley-goes-big-make-difference-day-ar-1400876/

A Story Worth Repeating

The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) 2011 for state workers, asked IHS to submit a very short story which depicts situations we encounter. This one story came quickly to mind. There are many more to tell, but this repeating situation is emotional for all of us, and stands forth as to why IHS's existence has such merit. During the month of October, you can visit the CVC website at http://www.cvc.vipnet.org and visit "Making a Difference." As short stories appear, potential state worker donors can click on "Read more" and they will read the story below. For friends of IHS, we wanted to share this one example of this charity's impact. Blessings ... T. Wade The woman on the midnight bus There is a young woman who arrives every month or two on the late Greyhound bus in Charlottesville. She walks with her child to a hotel near the UVA Medical Center. She saves every penny, not using a taxi even at this late hour. She is coming for cancer treatment the following day. Since she has no one at home in northern Virginia to keep her child and UVA Hospitality House restricts guests with children under age 18, her social worker meets her need for lodging and food through a close working relationship with a very responsive charity.    Without pre-planning to secure her stay, this indigent patient could not make these trips to secure her hold onto life and a long life with her child. Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum, Inc. (IHS) works closely with UVA social workers to meet temporary "unmet" needs for indigent patients and family members. While others are sleeping, IHS is also available 24/7 to UVA social workers with immediate needs which are not being met from any other source. We are a CVC charity. To support the work of Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum, Inc., designate your gift to CVC 3648.

SPECIAL NOTICE for UVA Medical and University staff, and all other state employees. The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) 2011 begins October 1st.  Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum, Inc. (IHS) is a CVC charity.  To support our work for lodging, meals, co-pay etc., designate your gift to CVC 3648.