Save the Date for the 2026 SML Walk to End Poverty

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$50,000 Matching Challenge Means Donations Work Twice as Hard!‍ ‍

The annual SML Walk to End Poverty, LCM’s largest annual fund-raising event, will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at SML State Park. Once again, donors can double their gifts thanks to event and supporting sponsors who will be matching, dollar for dollar, the first $50,000 donated. Donations will be accepted from June 30 to September 19 online at smlwalktoendpoverty.com. Checks may  be mailed to Lake Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 695, Moneta, VA  24121 with a memo designation for “2026 Walk”.‍‍ ‍

On September 19, registration starts at 9 a.m.; walkers and runners - participating as individuals or members of church, school, civic group, business, and neighborhood teams - depart for the 5 K or 10 K course at 10 a.m. A free hot-dog lunch, prizes, and socializing follow at the SML State Park Beach Pavilion. Proceeds will enable Lake Christian Ministries to continue providing vital programs and services that address the growing number of SML-area families struggling with poverty which is especially critical as costs for food, housing, and utilities remain high. ‍‍ ‍

In 2025, Lake Christian Ministries addressed 15,252 food requests, provided crisis financial aid to prevent homelessness and keep utilities on for 1,426 individuals, and assisted 342 families with community connections, educational opportunities, and job readiness services. During the first half of the year, we have seen a 12% increase in the number of families seeking our services, so we anticipate higher service numbers for 2026.            ‍‍ ‍

Volunteers are Needed for the Walk‍ ‍

Volunteers are always needed to serve on the Walk to End Poverty planning team, which meets from June to September, or help with the coordination of the event on September 19.  If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Jane Winters at lcmexdr@gmail.com. More information about this important event will be provided later this summer. Until then, save the date and plan to join us for a fun morning in the park on September 19. Dogs that play nicely with others are welcome too!

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Thank You for Your Outstanding Support
Through the 2026 SML Gives Day! 

Wow! We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the outstanding support Lake Christian Ministries received through the 2026 SML Gives Day.  Together we generated $104,180 for Lake Christian Ministries’ services. These funds will  provide vital services for a growing number of local families who are struggling to meet basic needs. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for wrapping your arms around our mission to care for our vulnerable neighbors during difficult times! A special thank you goes to our LCM supporters who provided a $1 for $1 match for the first $30,000 donated. This challenge match was met by 146 donors who care deeply about assisting our children and families in crisis.

 Your donation will be used to help families who are struggling with hunger and crisis move toward a stable and healthy future. Your generosity will have a lasting impact. Together we are making a difference. 

In appreciation, 

Jane  

Jane Winters, Executive Director
Lake Christian Ministries