As we enter the season of giving, the warmth of community shines brighter than ever in Downtown Ashland. This year, the Center of the Universe hopes to pull everyone into their spirit of gratitude and giving that lasts all year long.
Downtown Ashland entrepreneurs are making it easy for residents and visitors to lend a helping hand. Non-perishable food donation boxes are now available at Miss Timmie’s (117 Hanover Ave.), Take Away (107A Hanover Ave.), Chirp (403 S. Center St.), and Root Modern Dentistry (250 N. Washington Hwy., Suite A). Each location features a bright “Food Donations” sign designed by AnnMarie & Company to help donors easily spot where to give.
In addition, donations can be dropped off anytime at the free food pantry outside Café 54 Brunch and Lunch in the heart of historic Downtown Ashland. For our Hanover neighbors, a full list of County food pantry services can be found at HanoverCounty.gov/1237/Hanover-County-Food-Pantries.
This collective generosity aligns with the Town of Ashland’s new initiative, Kindness That Counts, launched in partnership with the Ashland Foundation. The program promotes awareness of homelessness and directs donations to trusted local nonprofits through the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GrCoC). The Town’s $10,000 initial contribution is helping ensure that outreach, case management, and essential support services reach individuals in need throughout Ashland. Supporters can make donations directly at https://givebutter.com/kindnessthatcounts
Together, these efforts remind us that compassion takes many forms—from a can of soup dropped in a local box to a dollar donated to a community fund. Each act of kindness adds up to something greater.