Newsletter End of Year 2021

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Washing Machine Miracle

Who would have thought that a washing machine could bring so much joy to a non profit? Well, that’s exactly what happened recently when the simple gift of a washing machine was donated during the beginning of this Christmas season. Our one and only washing machine recently ‘gave up the ghost,’ and one that worked well was needed in a hurry. Our Executive Director, Melissa Woodson, scheduled to go and pick up the needed machine and was prepared to pay an affordable amount for a standard machine. Before travelling to pick it up, she happened to have a conversation with a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, and he wound up paying for a much higher quality and more expensive washing machine unbeknownst to Melissa. In the words of Melissa, “I had a brief conversation with the donor about my going to pick up the $279 washing machine and when I got there he’d paid for this high quality machine. I was speechless. The Christmas Angels are coming out and they are humans.” Thank you, Mr. Anonymous, for the kindness and generosity to those needing to wash their clothes this season. You are truly a Christmas blessing!

Roanoke County Sheriff Eric Orange and Sergeant Chad Beheler.

volunteer experience We recently had the Roanoke County Sheriff’s office pay a visit to us, and they were able to experience first-hand what it is like to volunteer at RAM House. Sheriff Eric Orange and Sergeant Chad Beheler generously donated most of their busy day to work along side other volunteers in our kitchen. They were able to see, in person, how the kitchen duties are streamlined and simplified by our resident chef, Heather Wilson. They both got to not only prepare the brussels sprouts and fish for this day, but also to serve our clients face to face. In the words of Sheriff Orange, “It was a great opportunity, and I not only enjoyed working alongside the volunteers, but also serving the patrons as well.” Sergeant Beheler had this to say when asked about his impressions of RAM House, “I had a blast” and, “I learned how to cook things that I have never cooked before, and I learned how important RAM House is to the community around us.” Thank you, Sheriff Orange and Sergeant Beheler for your time volunteering in our kitchen, as well as to our faithful and dedicated volunteers and staff who continue giving and serving daily.

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RAM NEWSLETTER