Grove Christian Outreach Center
Grove Christian Outreach Center (GCOC) was established in February 2000 to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of residents in the Grove area of James City County. The Chapel’s own Deena Walls serves as the center’s Assistant Director. Included among the services that GCOC offers are a food pantry, a clothes closet, transportation, and health screenings. The Chapel began a formal partnership with the center in 2001.
The Lord has greatly expanded the center’s outreach to the Grove community and blessed it abundantly with volunteers, resources, and financial stability in the last few years. Through the lunch program, Wednesday food distributions, and the food pantry, the center feeds almost 20,000 individuals each year. The Friday Businessmen’s Bible Breakfast in Williamsburg has supported the Center through charity golf tournaments, raising several thousand dollars for the Center.
In addition to the Chapel family’s direct financial support, the center receives help from individual Chapel ministries. A men’s small group installed storage room shelving. The Saints Alive senior’s ministry made 100 “Resurrection Egg” cartons for distribution to families with children at Easter, provided 800 candy bags to distribute at Christmas, and held a much-needed canned food drive. In addition, Chapel students provided 60 filled shoeboxes for the “Shoe Box Gifts for Kids” Christmas outreach. During a five-month period, one 16-year-old Chapel student wrapped 300 shoeboxes for this event! Through these gifts, the center shares the love of Christ with over 300 children. Many Chapel volunteers help at various times during the year.
For more information, contact Deena Walls or Pat McCormick (757-887-1100) or visit the GCOC website.