We’re committed to serving vulnerable families in the Greater Williamsburg community. Unless otherwise noted, our programs are free.
Please call us at 757-887-1100 to find out more information about any of them.
The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is more than a food pantry — it’s a welcoming, dignified grocery market where local families can choose the fresh foods, pantry staples and household items they need most. Created to honor the spirit of community in Grove, this free market provides reliable support during difficult times while fostering connection, compassion and hope. Whether picking up groceries for family or looking to lend a hand, The Gathering Place is here to make sure no neighbor goes without.
Clothing Closet
Shop during Food Pantry hours or by appointment on Wednesdays for children from newborn to middle school for everyday needs and special occasions. Underwear and socks available, too.
Financial Assistance
Schedule an intake appointment for assistance with rent or life-sustaining utilities (power, water, natural gas). We also offer one-on-one financial coaching, including budget planning, savings, and financial literacy.
Appointments are required. Please contact our Office Manager to set your date and time.
Transportation
We provide bus tickets for medical and employment appointments. We can also refer you to the Bicycle Co-op of Williamsburg to receive a voucher to pick up a bike for free.
Rob Till Community Garden
The Rob Till Community Garden is a vibrant, shared space where neighbors come together to grow fresh produce, learn new skills and connect with one another. Named in honor of longtime Grove supporter and resident Rob Till, the garden reflects his belief that nourishment goes beyond food — it’s about cultivating kindness, resilience and opportunity. Each season, volunteers and families plant, tend and harvest fruits and vegetables that support local households and The Gathering Place market. It’s a living reminder that when we grow together, our whole community thrives.
Holiday
We host a Thanksgiving Market the Monday and Tuesday before the holiday. Our Christmas programs include a community Christmas celebration where children can select their own toys and small goodies. In addition, we offer a separate market that allows families to pick out gifts for each child in their home, ensuring each child has a gift under the tree.
Social
Seniors ages 55 and are welcome to join us the third Wednesday of every month. Afternoon Bingo includes prizes and snacks. Sign up in advance at the Outreach Center. Additionally, we have a monthly ESL Family Night, an evening of fun and crafts for our families of Hispanic Heritage.
Back to school
Every August we offer our School Readiness Academy, a two-week program to refresh rising second- to fifth-graders at James River Elementary on reading, writing and math skills. Our Back to School Program provides supplies, backpacks, a new pair of shoes for each child plus new uniforms to children attending James River Elementary.
Seasonal
Our Summer Lunch Program delivers healthy meals to children. Every spring, juniors and seniors in the Williamsburg/James City County School System can shop at our Prom Boutique for prom attire, including gowns and men’s clothing.
Connie’s Corner
Connie’s Corner is a program that was born out of the love for a precious volunteer who had an endearing love for the children of Grove. Connie Schaub is memorialized through an amazing tribute that allows her legacy to live on in Grove Christian Outreach Center. A place where children of all ages are welcome to take a book, bring a book, trade a book, whatever their desire is to encourage and foster the love of reading. Many children in Grove benefit from this gift of love and we are glad to help support building their home libraries. To donate new or gently used books to this program in both English and Spanish, please contact our Office Manager, Linda, to arrange delivery.
