Author: AD P

Run With Purpose at the 2025 Grove Trotter 5K/10K

Posted on by AD P

On Saturday, Oct. 11, the greater Williamsburg community will come together not just for fitness, but for hope. The 5th Annual Grove Trotter 5K/10K Bridge Run, hosted by Grove Christian Outreach Center, invites runners and walkers of all abilities to turn their miles into meaningful support for families facing hardship across greater Williamsburg.

Beginning at Chickahominy Riverfront Park, participants will follow a scenic and fully paved route along the Capital Trail, taking them over the Chickahominy River Bridge and back through the park. Whether you’re pushing for a personal best or simply walking in solidarity, every step taken helps fund essential services—like food assistance, financial aid, clothing, and dignity-driven programs like the Center’s Gathering Place, Williamsburg’s first free grocery market for local families in need.

“The neighbors we serve often have to make impossible choices – between rent and groceries, medication and electricity,” said Katie Patrick, Executive Director of Grove Christian Outreach Center. “No one should have to make those choices. This event isn’t just about running. It’s about showing up for our neighbors where it matters most.”

This year’s Grove Trotter marks a milestone fifth anniversary and is recognized as a Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix event, welcoming both competitive and casual participants. Races begin with packet pick-up at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 10K start at 9 a.m. and the 5K at 9:10 a.m.

Registration is currently $40 for the 5K and $45 for the 10K through August 30. From Sept. 1 through Oct. 10, prices increase to $45 and $50, respectively. Race day registration will be available at $50 for the 5K and $55 for the 10K. All participants will receive a finisher’s medal and commemorative T-shirt, with guaranteed sizing for those registered by Oct. 3. Please note: all entry fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and the event will be held rain or shine.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Grove Christian Outreach Center has served the greater Williamsburg community, starting in lower James City County, for two decades, offering a wide range of services to help neighbors navigate food insecurity, poverty, and crisis with dignity. Every registration, every dollar raise,d and every mile run makes a difference in the life of someone right here at home.

Sign up today here.

Grove Christian Outreach Center Recognized by Virginia General Assembly for 20 Years of Service to Greater Williamsburg Community

Posted on by AD P

Grove Christian Outreach Center has been formally recognized by the Virginia General Assembly for two decades of dedicated service to individuals and families in need throughout the Greater Williamsburg area.

Senate Resolution No. 241, sponsored by Senator J.D. “Danny” Diggs and agreed to by the Senate on February 13, 2025, commends the organization for its compassionate contributions and evolving impact on the community since its founding in 2004.

Senator Diggs reads Senate Resolution No. 241 alongside Grove leadership.

What began as a modest effort to distribute food and clothing from a single trailer in the Grove area of James City County has grown into a 6,000-square-foot facility offering comprehensive support services. Today, Grove Christian Outreach Center meets a wide variety of needs through food drives, community lunch programs for children, holiday assistance, school supply drives, transportation services, and education on healthy living and financial literacy.

In 2024 alone, Grove Christian Outreach Center served 878 unique households through its food pantry, which accounted for 10,400 visits. Altogether, more than 40,700 individuals were impacted by its various outreach programs.

Senator Diggs speaks with Grove Executive Director Katie Patrick inside the food pantry.

The organization’s 20th anniversary year culminated in the opening of The Gathering Place, Williamsburg’s first free grocery market. This innovative initiative allows individuals experiencing food insecurity to shop in a dignified environment, helping reduce stigma while promoting choice and respect.

“This recognition by the Virginia Senate affirms what we’ve always known – that Grove Christian Outreach Center is more than a nonprofit. It’s a beacon of hope for our neighbors facing hardship,” said Executive Director Katie Patrick. “We’re honored by this commendation as it recognizes our mission to serve vulnerable families with God’s grace, while providing resources and hope for a healthier future.”

Senator Diggs greets a Grove volunteer during his visit.

A copy of the resolution was presented to the organization as a symbol of the Senate’s appreciation for Grove’s meaningful and sustained contributions to the community.

“Watching this well-respected organization grow from its humble beginnings 20 years ago to the opening of Williamsburg’s first free grocery market in 2024 has been truly incredible,” said Senator Diggs. “Congratulations to the leadership team, board, and volunteers at Grove Christian Outreach Center on a job well done, and for the real difference they are making in the Greater Williamsburg community.”

Full Grove team stands with Senator Diggs celebrating 20 years of service.

Grove Christian Outreach Center invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to join the mission by volunteering, donating, or sponsoring its programs, including The Gathering Place.

Grove Christian Outreach Center Welcomes Matt Pollino as Development Manager

Posted on by AD P
Matt Pollino Development Manager


Matt Pollino won’t tell you much about his time in the U.S. Air Force. He just wants you to know he was proud to serve.

He probably also won’t tell you about his time playing football. He just wants you to know he loved the game, and loves being part of a team.

But ask him about Grove Christian Outreach Center; he can talk to you for hours.

Not just because it’s his job.

Matt serves today as the Grove Christian Outreach Center’s Development Manager, bringing a wealth of experience, passion, and personal connection to the role.

But because it’s his passion. And he gets it.

Real Talk

Matt’s path to Grove Christian Outreach Center is deeply personal.

Following his military service, facing significant life transitions, Matt found himself a single father to two young children, pursuing new career paths and needing help.

“I never thought I’d need a resource like Grove,” Matt said.

But he did.

“Grove isn’t just for people at the poverty level – it’s for anyone going through tough times,” Matt said. “It’s about making sure kids are fed and that families have the support they need to get back on their feet.”

From Receiving Help to Leading the Effort

Matt Pollino, Development Director of Grove Outreach, standing in The Gathering Place grocery market.

Matt’s firsthand experience with Grove’s mission fueled his passion for giving back, as did his family-first philosophy. It’s the key to who he is.

Raised in a close-knit family, Matt prioritizes co-parenting his children and ensuring they have enriching experiences beyond just necessities. He is also very close to his parents and brother, who reside in his hometown of Southern New Jersey, as well as his sister, who lives in Alabama.

Matt’s family focus shines through in how he approaches those he helps at work.

At Grove, Matt initially began working with the food ministry, learning the ins and outs of operations and connecting with volunteers and neighbors in need. When Grove launched The Gathering Place – a free grocery market designed to elevate the traditional food pantry experience and provide families with a dignified shopping experience for essential food and supplies – Matt played an integral role in its success, helping with logistics and heavy lifting.

Grove’s leadership took note.

His natural ability to connect with people, paired with his background in sales and coordination, made him an ideal candidate for development work, helping raise more funds to help feed and support more neighbors.

Over time, he transitioned into the Development Manager role, where he now focuses on building relationships with volunteers, donors and local businesses to even further strengthen Grove’s impact.

A Vision for Growth and Community Engagement

Matt Pollino working at his desk, planning community outreach efforts.

As Development Manager, Matt is committed to fostering community support and expanding Grove’s reach.

“In my role, I am focused on helping people understand how they can make a difference,” he said.

Making a difference can be volunteering, donating food and supplies, or sending monetary support.

“Inflation has impacted both food donations, which are going down, and the number of families seeking assistance, which is going up,” Matt said. “We can use all the support we can get from the community, as little or as much as they can provide.”

Matt is eager to build on Grove’s existing programs and introduce new initiatives, including continuing to grow the annual fall Grove Trotter 5K/10K. He is actively engaging local businesses and gyms to increase participation, as well as strengthening partnerships with schools to encourage student-led food drives.

“I want young people to see the impact of their efforts – to physically see the food they’ve collected and understand what it means for families in need.

Have a heart for the Grove and Greater Williamsburg community and helping families fight food insecurity, among other challenges?

Go here to see how you can help others.

“The true drive of this work,” Matt said, “is love and grace.”