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Thanks to a new grant, the Partnership for Accessible Transportation Help has expanded its Transportation Assistance Fund. Beginning October 1st, older adults and people with disabilities in the Charlottesville region will be able to receive transportation assistance after other options have been found unavailable or unsuitable. Eligible applicants include adults age 65 and older and people with disabilities who meet income guidelines and do not have another suitable transportation option. For more information, to request assistance, or to refer someone who may need help, call the PATH Helpline at 888-879-7379, or visit Path VA dot Org slash T A F

A coalition of five local nonprofits and community groups has formed The Grocery Card Campaign to help alleviate the food insecurity many immigrants are facing as a result of federal immigration enforcement activities. The Grocery Card Campaign puts grocery store gift cards immediately into the hands of our immigrant neighbors, and is an opportunity for community members to show their support by helping ensure that basic food needs are met. For more information, email [email protected].

Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary, based in Nelson County, is dedicated to creating a vibrant and compassionate future for wildlife in Virginia and beyond. The devoted team of wildlife rehabilitators and volunteers rescue and care for more than 900 animals annually from across Virginia. The team also leads educational programming so folks from all walks of life can learn about the importance of our wild neighbors and native species. For more information, including ways to volunteer and a schedule of events with the center's animal ambassadors, visit Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary dot Org

Abortion is still legal in Virginia, and Blue Ridge Abortion Fund continues to fund abortions for Virginians and people traveling to Virginia for abortion care. You can volunteer your time and skills to help keep the organization running. Or raise funds by hosting a house party or benefit event. Learn more online at Blue Ridge Abortion Fund dot org.

Community Attention Foster Families is a public foster care agency and division of the Human Services Department for the City of Charlottesville. They recruit, train, and provide ongoing support to foster parents for children in our community. Their greatest needs are for families who will foster sibling groups, teens, and LGBTQ individuals. They hold information sessions virtually each month and invite caring individuals and families to register to attend. They are also open to having individual conversations about the decision to pursue fostering. Learn more by visiting Charlottesville dot Gov slash Foster or by calling 434-970-3735.

A five-cent plastic bag tax is in effect in the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The Piedmont Group of the Sierra Club encourages you bring reusable bags with you when you shop rather than use plastic or paper bags for groceries and merchandise. If you have too many reusable bags gracing your home, you can donate clean, gently used ones to The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St Suite C, in Charlottesville. The Sierra Club will redistribute the bags to individuals who need them. E-mail your questions to [email protected].

The Piedmont Action Coalition on Hunger, working with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, has launched Piedmont Feeds DOT org, a website connecting individuals and families with food pantries, prepared meals, free grocery programs, and other resources across Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock counties. The site features maps, operating hours, and guidance to the more than 19,000 individuals in the Piedmont experiencing food insecurity. There is enough nutritious food in our community to meet the need, if people know where to find it. Piedmont Feeds DOT org helps make that connection faster and easier.

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA is working to support families with pets facing growing food insecurity. The Pet Food Pantry is sustained by “in-kind” cat and dog food donations from community members, with tax-deductible monetary gifts used to buy pet food. They’re also seeking local businesses, distributors, and organizations to help create reliable pathways for consistent pet food supplies. Physical donations can be brought to the shelter at 3355 Berkmar Drive, seven days a week, or dropped off at Lampo2Go in IX Art Park. Visit caspca DOT org for more details.

Crozet Cares Closet supports its neighbors in need by distributing donated personal hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste, and deodorant, as well as household cleaning supplies like detergent and paper towels. The Closet is open on the first Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 am at Scott House Community Outreach, 7585 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Greenwood. To donate securely and for drop-off locations, visit crozetcarescloset DOT org.