On August 8^th, Tree of Life Ministries hosted their Annual Summer Giveaway in Purcellville, Virginia.  This large-scale event brings together hundreds of volunteers and thousands of donations to provide much-needed resources to local families in the region to help them prepare for the new school year.

Each person that attends can receive free clothing for the whole family, backpacks filled with school supplies, free haircuts, hygiene and dental kits, furniture, and information on healthcare and other local resources.  The Gospel message was shared with the more than 700 that attended, and bilingual spiritual care team volunteers also worked to connect directly with individuals in need of prayer.

Preparing and executing the event, which took place at Purcellville Baptist Church, involved more than 100 volunteers, donations of thousands of pounds of clothing, as well as backpacks and school supplies.  The clothing, furniture, and school items all came through personal and business donations within the community and volunteers showed up from throughout Tree of Life’s service area, which includes Loudoun County and northern Fauquier and Clarke Counties.

Individuals began lining up for the morning event as early at 4am, demonstrating the high need that exists in the community.  Nearly 800 were impacted through the event:

• 775 individuals received clothing.
• 720 children received backpacks filled with school supplies.
• 32 children and adults received free haircuts.
• Breakfast was served to all those waiting in line.
• Families received hygiene kits and info on local health resources.
• Two full PODs of furniture were given away.
• Purcellville Baptist Church’s Dwell youth group organized sports and games for the kids.

Regional Director, Maddy Cockerill, who oversees the event said, “none of this would have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of our volunteers, donors, churches, community partners, and supporters who gave their time, resources, and energy to make this week happen.”

This back-to-school event has been part of Tree of Life’s services to the community for over a decade and falls within their Shelter Branch, which provides transitional housing, clothing, mentoring, and more. Those in need of clothing other times of year can reach out to Tree of Life and schedule a free shopping appointment at their thrift store, The Clothing Closet. The Clothing Closet has three locations, Purcellville, Leesburg, and Middleburg, and is also open to the public to shop. All proceeds directly support the ministry.

For questions about Tree of Life and their services, please email info@tolministries.org.

Photo credit: Wildlight Photography (Wildlight Photography)