Activities Around Campus

Episcopal Thrift Shop

The Episcopal Thrift Shop was established in 1991 by Ascension Episcopal Church and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in the Town of Amherst. Donations from the community stock the shop, and one paid employee along with a host of volunteers make this operation a success. The mission of the thrift shop is to provide emergency outreach assistance to those in need in our community. Proceeds from its operation are distributed on a referral basis according to the needs of individuals. The shop’s proceeds also support organizations that benefit Amherst County such as the Free Clinic, Amherst Cares, Nelson Kid Cares, Blue Ledge Meals on Wheels, the two food pantries in the county, Hunters for the Hungry, Habitat for Humanity, Miriam’s House, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and many others. As of December 2019, over $860,000.00 has been given back to the community since the inception of the shop.

Amherst Cares

Amherst Cares is a collaborative effort of church, school, community, and individuals to provide supplemental food to students in Amherst County Public Schools who have been identified by school personnel as “food insecure.” In addition to financial support, members of our church family work in a variety of ways to assist with this program including the packing and distribution of food. Our church also purchases school supplies that are packaged and delivered to the approximately four hundred and fifty students in the program at the beginning of the second semester of the school year. It is our wish to support these students so that they can succeed.

Habitat for Humanity

Under the leadership of Father James Hubbard several years ago, St. Mark’s began both financial and actual labor support for the nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity. Habitat provides homes for underserved populations in the Greater Lynchburg area, including Amherst County. Through our monetary contributions and the aid of other clubs and churches, families in need now have a home to call their own.

Episcopal Relief and Development

St. Mark’s Church supports the Episcopal Relief and Development projects through vestry initiatives and one-time fund drives. When a hurricane destroyed much of Houston, Texas in the late summer of 2017, we sent an additional, individually raised donation to ERD for use in their relief efforts. We continue to support their work both within the United States and abroad to this day.

Free Dinners

The Free Dinner Ministry was begun more than 20 years ago when it was apparent that hunger needs were not being met in Amherst County. St. Mark’s provides the meal on the last Saturday evening in the month assigned. The last Saturday was chosen as an appropriate date, since most government related subsidies have been depleted by then. We provide meals two to three times a year. All are welcome to eat with us or take advantage of takeout service, no questions asked.