NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A Newport News nonprofit wants you to give what you can on Tuesday.
“It can be a little as like 10 items or less,” said Elvi Delgado, a Peninsula resident.
Elvi Delgado said it’s enough to make a difference on the Peninsula. Delgado is one of several people who donated food to THRIVE Peninsula in Newport News Tuesday. She said she gave back because she remembers when she needed community support.
“For me, we were brought up that if you can help others and you can give back. It doesn’t cost anything.”
David Rutan said seeing the need as a volunteer for the nonprofit motivated him to help too.
“As I’m in there putting stuff on the shelves, people are coming by and taking it away,” Rutan said.
It’s part of the organization’s first THRIVE Day to get food and monetary donations. York said the goal is to raise $40,000.
Those who stopped by in the morning were treated with coffee and doughnuts as a ‘thank you.’ Angela York, THRIVE’s executive director, said this fundraiser will help as volunteers see an increased need. She said they are serving about 500 people a week.
In November 2023, THRIVE opened in its new location which hosts The Market at THRIVE, the Peninsula’s first free grocery store, The Free Bookstore, The Garden at THRIVE and more. Since it opened, these resources have provided healthy groceries, books and more to more than 12,000 people.
“Just to sustain that and to serve the countless people who are walking in the door, we’re trying to raise awareness and resources for our organization,” York said.
These donations help to stock the shelves inside the organization’s food market and it also helps to enhance critical resources for residents on the Peninsula.
“Our financial services are always getting requests for rent, utilities, childcare, transportation. Just folks who are looking to survive,” York said
York said monetary donations can help with the basic needs some families have. She said most people call about coming to the market but York said she's seeing an increase in calls about rent assistance.
"The summer is really the hardest time for people because they have kids to feed because they're home from school and the cost of electricity is high," York said. "A lot of folks' rent is going up. We've seen hikes as much as 30% in the past five years."
All day, donations will be matched dollar for dollar, until the nonprofit reaches $20,000. You can also donate online.