Local commonwealth’s attorneys team up with United Way to launch seasonal giving initiative for residents in need

HISTORIC TRIANGLE – The United Way of the Virginia Peninsula has partnered with local commonwealth’s attorneys to create a new seasonal giving initiative – and they’re hoping residents will step up to help. 

Called “A Way Home,” the program provides support for people on the Peninsula facing housing insecurity, domestic violence or emergency transitions.

Krystyn Reid, York-Poquoson’s commonwealth attorney, launched the project in collaboration with Charvalla West, CEO of the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula.

Commonwealth’s attorneys Nate Green of Williamsburg-James City County, Howard Gwynn of Newport News and Anton Bell of Hampton have also joined.

Reid said the concept was inspired by her early work as a prosecutor supporting domestic violence victims and vulnerable families.

“When a household is on the edge of eviction or crisis, even small gaps in basic items can make it harder to stay anchored,” Reid told The Triangle. “United Way of the Virginia Peninsula has become such a force for good in stabilizing families across our region, and I wanted our office to support their effort in a meaningful way.”

The initiative naturally fits in with the efforts Reid and her colleagues are striving to achieve within the community. 

Commonwealth’s attorneys are expected to promote justice, which happens not only through prosecution but also “prevention, compassion and helping families stay safe” during difficult times, Reid said.

At the center of A Way Home is a donation drive, which kicked off on Dec. 1 and runs through Jan. 1.

A variety of essential new items are requested, including blankets, towels, small sets of kitchen items, hygiene products and cleaning supplies. Donations of children’s comfort items are also needed, including coloring books and small toys.

Organizers are hopeful residents will “shop with compassion” throughout the holiday season, keeping in mind the challenges faced by fellow community members.

Program recipients will be identified by United Way through its community partners and direct case management, ensuring the items go where they are needed. 

“These essentials can make a real difference for a family working to maintain housing or rebuild after a crisis,” Reid said. “It is a simple way for our community to support neighbors who are trying to stay on their feet.”

For United Way, the holiday season has already been off to a busy start. A total of 285 children across the Peninsula will wake up to gifts under their tree on Christmas morning following this year’s Angel Tree drive, which wrapped up last week.

The annual drive – made possible through the United Way’s partnership with the Salvation Army Peninsula and Williamsburg commands, along with the Gloucester Satellite office – aims to fulfill the Christmas wishes of local children whose families are facing financial hardship. 

Wish list items are written on tags and placed at designated Angel tree locations. Community members can then select a tag, purchase the suggested gifts and return them to be distributed to the children’s families before Christmas.

United Way has also been hosting a community-wide food drive, established in response to the government furloughs and SNAP benefit delays last month.

More than 10,000 pounds of food were collected across 51 donation bins hosted by local businesses and organizations. Some sites are still accepting donations, according to West.

Donations of new, unwrapped items for A Way Home can be dropped off at the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, 101 York Crossing Road in Yorktown, Mondays through Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Jan. 1.

A donation bin is also available at Reid’s office, located at 300 Ballard Street in Yorktown, on Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents or businesses interested in further supporting the project can also inquire about hosting a donation bin by calling United Way directly at (757) 229-2222 or e-mailing info@uwvp.org.

Reid emphasized that the list of suggested essentials for the project offers “a strong starting point,” but any new household essentials would be appreciated. 

For more information, visit uwvp.org.