by Peyton Thomas

 

If you’ve visited Tree of Life’s (TOL) Western Loudoun Center recently, you may have seen Ms. Blanche Price at a community dinner or dropping off food at the pantry. She first got involved to support the people at TOL who helped her during a difficult season in life — but along the way, she found much more.

When Price moved to Purcellville, she was facing serious financial challenges. “Unfortunately, I was on disability and I had to have three surgeries, so I was not working and I wasn’t making a lot of money… I had to go from an apartment to renting a bedroom with a private bath.”

Her medical issues played a major role in her financial struggles. “I needed to have right knee surgery [originally]…And then I ended up falling and had to have left knee surgery and left shoulder surgery,” added Price.

During this time, she was also searching for a church near her new home. “I ended up going to Purcellville Baptist Church and I loved it.” There, she met someone who connected her with Tree of Life. “A person that works [at Tree of Life], Richie Soltas, also goes to [Purcellville Baptist]. He was telling me more about it, and that’s how I found out about Tree of Life.”

After reaching out to TOL, Price received the support she desperately needed. “When I first called [Tree of Life], I spoke with Richie and it was to get help to pay my rent for one month. I also had an insurance payment for health insurance that I couldn’t afford at the time, and they paid for that,” shared Price.

The kindness she experienced left a lasting impact. “I saw that they really cared about people and would help people… [Their support] helped a lot when you are on disability and don’t make enough money to live. That made me want to volunteer [at Tree of Life],” continued Price.

Wanting to give back, Price began serving the same community that supported her. “I just wanted to give back for all [Tree of Life has] done for me, and I love people. I love coming and talking and helping.”

Today, Price regularly donates to the food pantry and helps at community dinners. Her outgoing spirit helps welcome newcomers in Purcellville and creates a sense of fellowship and community. She also faithfully attends the Thanksgiving Together event each November, where she excels at welcoming and connecting with those who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.

Since becoming involved with Tree of Life, Price says her faith has also grown. “Even though I grew up Catholic, I never really thought about God.” But after experiencing support through TOL, something changed. “Just being around positive people, most people [At Tree of Life] are very into Jesus… And it just helps with my faith to be surrounded by people like that,” commented Price.

After the many challenges she has faced, Price has found ways not only to move forward, but to pour back into others — thanks in large part to the relationships she built with Tree of Life volunteers and staff. Her story is a powerful reminder of how gratitude, kindness, and community can transform lives.

 

This is part of the Tree of Life series “Stories of Impact,” highlighting those we serve in the community. The writer, Peyton Thomas, is a Woodgrove High School student on the school newspaper who volunteered her time to interview and write Blanche’s story.