FAIRMONT – Do unto others.
A church in Fairmont put that timeless call most of us learned as kindergarten and Sunday school kids into action two weeks ago.
That’s when Christ Episcopal Church mobilized for the benefit of Tygart Valley United Way.
From its headquarters in Fairmont, the local United Way does unto people across north-central West Virginia.
It’s a pretty wide swath, said Brett White, who is CEO of the outreach organization.
How wide?
Try 42 programs, 30 diverse health and human service endeavors and five counties: Marion, Taylor, Barbour, Randolph and Tucker.
“The needs in our communities continue to grow,” White said.
“And this extraordinary gift from Christ Episcopal Church comes at a truly critical time.”
The gift arrived Dec. 7 in the form of $30,000 – all raised by the congregants of the tiny church with the red door on Fairmont Avenue.
Like loaves and fishes, White said, the gift will be multiplied in the hearts and spirits of the volunteers and others who make the whole thing go across those counties.
Maybe somebody needs help making rent or that balance on the utility bill so the lights can switch back on in the house.
Yes, you need that prescription, but how are you going to pay for it when it’s not covered under your health plan?
And there’s always the case of that dad or that mom, or both, suddenly downsized in today’s tenuous economy, the administrator said.
Christ Episcopal Church, White said, answered a daily prayer addressing a need that won’t go away.
“This is collective impact in action,” he said. “Their leadership and generosity reflect a deep commitment to caring for neighbors, so people can truly thrive – not just get by.”
The Rev. Dean Lawrence, who ministers there, said the church took on the effort for prayer – not praise.
“We see the need every single day,” he said, “and we know we can make a far greater impact when we come together as a community.”
Now, the priest hopes other organizations join the prayer circle.
Faith-based or not, he said.
Especially, he added, since Tygart Valley United Way still has a way to go in its 2025 capital campaign – and its goal of $605,000.
To support the campaign, call the organization at 304-366-4550. Donations may also be made online at tvunitedway.org.
