COMMUNITY IMPACT

TOL NEWSLETTER

Jennifer Del Grande - Database Administrator

Like many people in Purcellville, I had heard of Tree of Life and their food pantry, but it wasn’t until I went to the VIP (Volunteer Introduction Program) that I learned how many amazing things they do for our community.  Being a stay-at-home mom to school-aged children, I was in a unique position to offer help during the day to TOL’s regular operations. In the fall that allowed me to begin providing administrative/data entry support once a week to the Leesburg and Purcellville regions.  My family has also volunteered at the annual Christmas for Others event, and I have served with the St Peter’s women’s group the Thursday community meal. We have been able to see first-hand how much “comfort and joy” TOL brings to its partners.

We are excited about Tree of Life Leesburg beginning a food delivery ministry this spring. As we initiate this ambitious undertaking through prayer and planning, we are looking for volunteers to help in a couple of key areas. First, on the preparation side, we seek food donations, pantry stocking volunteers, and food packing volunteers for our partners at our pantry headquarters in Purcellville. Second, we desire delivery teams who will deliver boxes of food to our partners in Leesburg and begin relationships with them. We provide specific training in each of these areas. Please attend one of our Volunteer Introduction Programs, either in Purcellville on May 18th from 9-10 am or in Leesburg on June 5th from 7-8 pm. To attend please RSVP by clicking HERE .

What a great opportunity to be the hands of Jesus to those in need by providing physically with food and spiritually with the gospel!

On a bright winter day, February 9th, 28 members of Tree of Life’s *leadership team gathered at Tree of Life Center in Leesburg for a time of spiritual fellowship and leadership growth.  The event began with a rousing devotional by Tim Giannosa, pastor
of Leesburg Community Church.  Executive Director Paul Smith, walked the team through a review of the accomplishments of 2018 and goals for 2019.  One exciting prospect was the vision to buy a 7 acre property west of Purcellville, and develop affordable housing
 for senior citizens and adults who have special needs challenges.  The group then was blessed to hear the personal testimonies of Isabel Mayer, Regional Director for Leesburg, Brian McMullen, Food Director for Purcellville, and Gil Paist, our new Chief Program Officer.  Wayne Ruckman, ToL Chief Operating Officer,  and Dell Nunaley, Regional Director of the Purcellville branch, led the group in exercises on effective communication and ministry team leadership.