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The
Beginning
Daily Bread originated as an outreach ministry of
Lynchburg's First Presbyterian Church in 1982. The first meals were
served from the historic Nichol's Tavern at the corner of Fifth
and Madison Streets. In 1983 the organization moved to a building
on Park Avenue owned by the Salvation Army. It remained at this
location until 1989. Faced with a second move, Daily Bread sought
funding for permanent quarters. By purchasing the Knights of Columbus
building, located at Eighth and Clay Streets, the organization could
move much closer to many of its current guests.
A Permanent
Home
Owning the building became a reality through a challenge
to the community from the Greif Bros. Corporation. They agreed
to donate half of the purchase cost of the building if the greater
Lynchburg community would raise the rest. The challenge was met
through generous support from area businesses and individuals. Daily
Bread not only had a permanent home, but increased its service by
almost 25 percent.
Continued
Community Support
In 1998 renovations were completed to upgrade a structure
attached to Daily Bread. The concept for the improved location
grew from a need for a place where the homeless could wait in inclement
weather. Although overnight accommodations were offered by other
area agencies, no provision was made for the homeless during the
day. They often sought sanctuary at neighborhood churches. The existing
structure was weatherized, electrified, walled, and floored to provide
protection for those waiting for their daily meal. Four churches-Court
Street Baptist Church , Court Street Methodist Church,
Holy Cross Catholic Church, and St. Paul's Episcopal Church-shared
the cost. Coleman-Adams Construction, Hickey Electric,
Kennedy Tile, and Taylor Brothers assisted through
donated and discounted materials and labor. A can for food pick-up
and distribution was donated by Hope Aglow Ministries.
Expanded Services
During the first week of January 2001, Daily Bread opened a day
shelter for
the homeless, providing a safe, comfortable place for individuals
and families to gather during the day. Television, snacks, reading material,
games for young and old and toys are available. A mobile phone, provided
by Alltel, allows local calls to pursue job and housing leads, to set up medical
appointments and to contact family. The Daily Bread dining area doubles
as the Day Shelter and operates from 1:00 pm until 4:45 pm seven days a week.
The Day Shelter has become a busy place with a typical daily number of 40 guests interacting
or tending to personal business.
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Seven
days a week from 10:50 A.M. to 12:20 P.M. meals are served at
Daily
Bread. Volunteers from the greater Lynchburg community prepare,
cook, and serve the meals. Each recipient is seated and served
by one of the organization's volunteers. Seconds, and even thirds,
are provided to those who want them. Every year over 40,000 meals
are provided.
Area businesses, grocery stores, restaurants, and individuals donate
food to Daily Bread. Government "surplus" food is also obtained
through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additional items needed,
but not donated, are purchased with Daily Bread funds. Excess donated
goods are shared with other area organizations such as the Lynchburg
Area Food Bank, Miller Home, Gateway House, and Patrick Henry Home
for Boys and Girls.
In
addition to its volunteer staff, Daily Bread has four part-time
paid employees. The Executive Director oversees the management
of
the entire operation Monday through Friday and the Weekend Supervisor
is in charge on Saturday and Sunday. A Kitchen Supervisor coordinates
food receipt, storage, and maintenance of the kitchen. Transportation
of donated goods from the community and delivery of excess donations
to other area facilities is the responsibility of the Pickup/Delivery
Person.
Lynchburg
Daily Bread, Inc. is directed by a Board of Directors.
The Directors are unpaid volunteers who serve three-year terms
and may
be
elected to a
second consecutive term. Operating
monies come from public support, businesses, churches, other organizations
and individuals, and the Lynchburg Greater Community Trust. Daily
Bread receives no funding from United Way. A small proportion of
funds comes from public grants when they are available.
Donations
can be made via Visa
or Mastercard by Clicking Here. Alternately, you may also
send donations to:
Lynchburg
Daily Bread, Inc.
721 Clay Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
Phone: 434.845.5703
thedailybread@aol.com
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