Social development committee

The Social Development Committee knows that human resources are its most valuable assets, it is important that the community have facilities and service which will provide for the well-being and development of all people, with special concern for those with unique needs.

Since the Ruritan club serves the entire community, it is in the best position to take the initiative in making these facilities and services available through club projects and cooperative programs with other organizations and agencies. The areas for consideration should include: Youth, Health, The Disabled, Senior Citizens, Drug Abuse .

help

Abingdon Ruritan Club supports the Union Baptist Church Food Pantry.

Abingdon Ruritan Club supports the Union Baptist Church Food Pantry. Each year the Club gives a monetary donation. Twice each year, the Club members donate food to the Pantry. Lynn Onesty, Social Development Chair, set a goal in July to collect at least 100 pounds of food. The goal was exceeded! Over 160 pounds were collected and delivered to the Pantry on July 14th. Shown in the photo are the items donated and from left Pantry Director Donna Green, Pantry Associate Becky Jenkins, and Club past president Rupert Thomas. Photo by Danny Provott.

Supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

The ARC supports the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a world-wide effort to ensure children from the cradle to age 5 are provided books each month to give them a strong basis for life-long literacy.  Marsha Weatherwax, ARC member, shown presenting a $500 check to Kyle DeGood.  Marsha was one of the major pioneers in Gloucester on the Library Project.  Also in the picture is Mary Lou Privott.

September 2025

Bingo at Sanders

Abingdon Ruritan Club members play Bingo with residents of Sanders  Home the first and third Friday each month.  Shown in the photo is Club Member Dick Beasley calling the numbers.  The residents look forward to participating and each winner receives a prize.

CARING ABOUT OUR SENIORS

On June 25, 2025, Abingdon Ruritan Club member Cathy Dale presented three donation checks to the Bay Aging nonprofit group. From left to right in the photo; Joedey Bell the manager of Gloucester ALC Bay Aging accepts a $1000 donation. Jeanne Hockaday Bay Aging Board member for Gloucester County. Suzanne Blanks Director of Adult Day Center accepts a $1000 donation. Barry Gross MD Board Chair Bay Aging accepts a $3000 donation for the Meals on Wheels program. Bay Aging is a nonprofit agency that offers comprehensive transportation, housing, community living and health services programs.

VOLUNTEERING IN OUR SCHOOLS 2025

The Virginia Cooperative Extension-Gloucester County hosted a Reality Store at Peasley Middle School. Students had the opportunity to learn first-hand what it is like to manage income and expenses. ARC Members volunteer.