Special Partnerships

State Park Partnership
A survey was taken that determined that 48% of LCM client families had never been to Smith Mountain Lake State Park.  Another 40% visited the park 3 or fewer times in the previous 5 years. The SML State Park and LCM staff were seeking ways to help those with limited resources take advantage of the amenities offered at their Park. As a result, a program was organized so LCM client families could receive vouchers for parking and swimming. Both LCM and the State Park are happy to continue this program each summer. LCM families continue to express enthusiasm for the opportunity to visit the park.

Good Neighbors Partnership
In partnership with SML Good Neighbors, Inc. a summer school lunch program and day camp for local elementary-age children, LCM helps to acquire and assemble lunch “bags” during summer school including a weekend backpack filled with food for the family.

Good Samaritan Partnership
The Good Samaritans are volunteers from local congregations who work as a team to provide individuals with routine home repairs that they are unable to perform or afford, for whatever reason

Giving Garden Partnership
The Giving Gardens initiative began in June 2009 as a project of the Rotary Club of Smith Mountain Lake to address the hunger and nutrition needs of persons with food insecurity in the area around Smith Mountain Lake. Since then it has blossomed into a major community-based Giving Gardens project. It is designed to provide fresh organic produce to the local food pantry at Lake Christian Ministries and other pantries in the area when excess produce is available. The gardens are located on the grounds of the Booker T. Washington National Monument and Coopers Cove.

The gardens are a collaborative partnership with the Rotary Club of Smith Mountain Lake, Booker T. Washington National Monument, Franklin County Master Gardeners, Lake Christian Ministries, Hot Shots Entertainment Center and have included many dedicated volunteers from the community.  Over the years, the Giving Gardens have provided over 25 tons of produce to help those in need in our community.  Thanks to the many hours put in by dedicated volunteers, over 7,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables are sent to the food pantry at Lake Christian Ministries each season.            

Volunteers are always welcome and individuals interested in learning more about the Giving Gardens and/or joining the team of dedicated volunteers in these efforts are encouraged to contact Mary Thurmond (mthurm75@cs.com) or De English (de.english100@gmail.com).