By Heather Bell
The Agape Center New River Valley assists people in need throughout the NRV, including Montgomery County and the City of Radford.
“We serve the amazing people of the New River Valley in their time of need,” the organization’s website states, including the counties of Giles, Floyd, Montgomery, Pulaski, and the City of Radford.
The Agape Center recently got a financial boost from the ladies of the Alpha Mu Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
“Our Beta Sigma Phi members chose to forgo gifts to one another at Christmas and instead donate the money as a group to The Agape Center NRV, so we can help those who need help at this holiday season,” said Carolyn Sowers, a member of the Alpha Mu Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
According to the organization’s website, The Agape Center NRV is part of a larger network of Agape Centers in Virginia. The first Agape Center was formed in Moneta, VA in 2002. They have grown from a simple food pantry and clothing closet to a large multifaceted ministry that serves upwards of 3,000 individuals each month.”
“The Agape Center is a God-directed outreach ministry with the goal of attending to the felt needs of man while addressing man’s spiritual need in a manner that gives God the glory,” the mission states. “By God’s grace, for the past two and a half years, the Agape Center NRV has faithfully served thousands of individuals by providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in food, diapers, clothing, and other essentials, as well as mentoring to neighbors in our local community.”
“We are a multi-church, mentorship-based outreach center focused on serving people in the New River Valley when they need a hand up,” the site reads. “We are a God-directed ministry with the goal of attending to the felt needs of individuals and families, while also addressing their spiritual needs in a manner that gives God the glory.”
The center is run completely with volunteer labor.
“Every single person who works for the Agape Center NRV volunteers their time,” the site reads. “We have zero paid staff members. Even our Executive Director works on a volunteer basis. Volunteering at The Agape Center NRV is an incredible joy. You help to change lives on a daily basis. We are currently in need of a wide range of volunteers. We provide all the training needed. Contact us today to find your seat at the Agape table!”
“From sorting food, working in the clothing bank, to data entry, to praying with clients, we have a need for you to fill and a place for you to serve.”
Agape Center NRV does not require proof of income or an appointment for first time visitors. Anyone who plans to come during the hours of operation, is just asked to bring a valid ID.
“Our volunteers are trained and ready to offer a helping hand up to anyone in need.”
The center is open on Fridays; first Friday – third Friday of each month, noon – 4 p.m. and fourth Friday – noon – 5 p.m. It is located at 1175 Cambria St., Christiansburg. The center’s phone number is 540-358-0329.