It Takes a Village
Organization supports neighbors in need during challenging times
Nearly 10 years ago, a group of friends across Washington County were inspired to step up to help others after witnessing how difficult it can sometimes be for someone in crisis to ask for help. The community-driven Facebook group was built on the belief that no one should have to face a crisis alone.
“The organization was inspired by seeing a woman being criticized online for asking for food assistance,” founder Kandi Williams says. “Rather than judgment, our community chose compassion. From that moment, It Takes a Village was created to bring people together to support neighbors in need during life’s most challenging moments.” Members generously donate gently used clothing, household items, furniture, baby items, and other essentials to help families recover from unexpected hardships.
The organization is this month’s recipient of the Observer-Reporter’s Driven By Hope Award, sponsored by Washington Auto Mall.
“In addition, our volunteer leadership team collects, organizes, and distributes donated items directly to individuals and families throughout Washington County,” says Williams. “We assist families and individuals facing crises such as house fires, medical emergencies, job loss, domestic crises, natural disasters and unexpected financial hardships.”
This year, the group was able to order and directly ship big items like mattresses, toddler beds, and dressers to families in need for the first time. Williams says most recipient families do not have transportation, so while donations of large items come in, transportation and moving them is still a big obstacle.
The group provides clothing bags for children and adults, hygiene bags with personal care essentials, household necessities, furniture and gently used items. During holidays, their program includes holiday meals, Christmas gifts and Easter baskets. In the fall, the “Outfit a Kid’s First Day” initiative uses community sponsorships to provide back to school supplies.
“Each child receives one brand-new outfit, new shoes, socks and underwear, a backpack and school supplies,” explains Williams. “While we provide families with seasonal allotments of gently used clothing throughout the year, we recognized that many children were still arriving at school without anything new to wear. We wanted every child to experience the excitement and confidence of walking into school on their first day wearing a brand-new outfit, just like their peers.”
Most recently, the program sponsored 29 local children helping them begin the school year with new clothes and supplies.
While It Takes a Village is supported by hundreds of caring community members, a dedicated team of women helps keep the organization running year-round. Williams oversees the organization’s mission and daily operations while coordinating assistance for families in crisis. Amy Allen of Washington assists with pickups and deliveries, helping ensure donated items reach families when they need them most. Lacey Clark of Millsboro coordinates and manages seasonal sponsorship programs, connecting donors with families during back-to-school season, the holidays, and other special initiatives. Katerina Williams of West Alexander, Kandi’s daughter, assists with events, community outreach, and program activities. Jamie Kray of New Eagle played a key role in helping secure a new location for the group within a church in Monongahela.
“What keeps us going year after year is the incredible support of our community,” says Williams. “Whether it’s our members, donors, volunteers, local nonprofits, churches, or community partners, people continually step forward to help when families need it most. Every day, we witness acts of kindness that restore hope and remind us that a caring community can make a lasting difference in someone’s life. The generosity and compassion shown by our community never cease to amaze us.”
For more information on It Takes A Village or to make a donation, visit It Takes A Village off Washington County on Facebook or email ittakesavillageofwashco@yahoo.com.