The Spirit of Virginia was evident on May 9th, as over 45 volunteers from across the Commonwealth gathered in Taylors Valley for a recovery and renewal event. Organized by the Governor’s Outreach Team under the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, this day-long initiative brought together neighbors, businesses, faith groups, and public officials to assist families affected by Hurricane Helene last fall. The event received coverage from local station WCYB-TV.
Activities began early and continued throughout the day. Volunteers worked on landscaping projects at the community center and eight private homes, planting more than 300 flowers and vegetables, spreading grass seed, restoring a veterans’ memorial, and establishing a new community garden. Inside two severely damaged houses, teams installed cabinets, appliances, countertops, and furniture. They also set up a “leave-a-book/take-a-book” library for literary enthusiasts. A “Mercy Mall,” stocked with Amazon-donated household goods, offered residents free items ranging from furniture to cookware.
The day’s efforts were supported by donations exceeding $15,000 in supplies and resources from various Richmond-based businesses and other contributors. Notable donors included RC Transfer for hauling supplies; Richmond Toolbox for planter benches; Sandy’s Plants for perennials; Crosscreek Nursery for abelia plants; Campbell Construction for building the library; Spectrum Paint for paint buckets; Niagara Water for bottled water; and several others who provided vegetable plants, tools, snacks, drinks, mulch, burgers, hotdogs, and a community-wide dinner.
Local leaders recognized the immediate impact of these efforts. John Coleman of Walnut Grove Church described it as fulfilling a dream to see households impacted by floodwaters connected with supportive entities. Janet Bowling called it “a true example of love” from those who helped improve Taylors Valley post-flood.
“The volunteer efforts during our Taylors Valley Action Day reflect the very best of the Spirit of Virginia,” stated Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee. She praised those who contributed time and resources to transform recovery into renewal.
For those interested in future engagement opportunities with the Governor’s Outreach Team can sign up online.
