The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program, Inc.(MCEAP) on April 26.
MCEAP celebrated the opening of their thrift store location at 308 West Main Street, Christiansburg. MCEAP was able to purchase the building, allowing for a greater share of thrift store sales to help those in need.
“This is the realization of a dream,” Board of Directors President Susan Miller said. The larger thrift store location will help MCEAP broaden their reach and ability to help.
“Every penny goes back to our brothers and sisters in Montgomery County,” Marjorie Vitale, Vice President of the Board of Directors said.
Cindy Rollison, a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and MCEAP volunteer, provided the numbers for how many community members have been served. Rollison became involved with the organization during her year in Leadership New River Valley, a course for current and future leaders designed to increase knowledge and awareness of the issue and challenges facing this community.
In 2016, MCEAP served 5,036 clients and provided $648,607 in assistance, which is the largest amount of clients served and money provided. In 2015 MCEAP served 3,665 clients and provided $229,125 in assistance.
According to the organization’s website, MCEAP is a 100 percent volunteer organization that offers food, clothing, housing and utility assistance to low-income, unemployed, elderly and handicapped individuals and families in Montgomery County. Those in need of assistance can apply in person at the MCEAP Administrative Office located in the New River Community Action building at 110 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg.
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, serves Blacksburg, Christiansburg and all of Montgomery County, supports approximately 700 local businesses through educational, marketing, and networking opportunities. For more information on how to join the Chamber of Commerce, visit the chamber website at www.montgomerycc.org, Facebook page, or call The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce at 540.382.3020.
— Submitted by Grace Mortensen-Korth
