Our Recipients

1st Quarter 2026 Funds Awarded to SHOOD

The first quarter River City Givers meeting was held Tuesday, January 20, 2026 via Zoom. Thank you to Nadine Oswald for hosting on her Zoom account!
There were 13 members in attendance with 1 guest.

We started the meeting with a presentation from Captain Shaundra Coleman from the Henrico County Sheriff’s Office. She shared how our 3rd Quarter 2025 donation was used for Project Lifesaver. She informed us that they were able to purchase 14 new transmitters to be given free of charge to citizens who sign up for the program in the future. They also purchased 5 battery testers for users to have to make sure the batteries are functioning properly. Additionally, they bought several new bands: 2 leather bands that are more difficult to remove and some bands in different colors. Overall, they were very pleased with our donation and were able to use all of it in support of the program.

Three members submitted charities for consideration at the meeting:

Shelly Desbois shared about Northstar Academy which is a nonprofit private school licensed by VDOE that promotes education and career opportunities for individuals with disabilities who have academic, physical or social challenges. Northstar serves students with a wide range of abilities, including 12 of the 13 disabilities identified by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

Nadine Oswald shared about the Virginia Police K-9 Association. The goal of the Virginia Police K-9 Association is to provide veterinary services and products to those who care for these retired canine public servants. The organization partners with vets around the state, and the vet then sends the bill to the organization who pays it.

Mary Gill told the group about SHOOD which was founded in 2017 and the founder still runs the program. Their mission is to provide a pair of new or like new, well-fitting running shoes to economically disadvantaged communities and to deliver them with dignity.
Since 2017, they’ve given out over 38,000 pairs of shoes. It is 100% volunteer run.
Our donation in 2023 was used to purchase Race Day Bags filled with helpful items for the student athletes and the coaches. The bags have worn out, and any donation we give would be used to purchase new bags and items.

Ballots were tabulated and ……………….
The winner of this quarter’s funds totaling $4,900 is SHOOD!!

Jill's Blankets - Recipient of 3rd Quarter 2025 Funds

10/11/2025

The 2nd Quarter River City Givers meeting was held April 15, 2025 at the Wyndham Swim & Racquet Club. We held a 1/2 hour social time prior to the meeting for members to meet and get to know each other. Refreshments and snacks were provided during this time. This change seemed to be a hit for everyone.
There were 23 people in attendance and 5 of those decided to join as new members at the meeting! Please Welcome the following to our group which now totals 51 members.
Tara Bowmaster, Veronica Lyell , Vicki Vogt, Kelly McAuliffe, and Lisa Hamilton. We are delighted to add these women and hope the membership continues to grow.
Three members submitted charities for consideration.
1. Kathy Johnson, shared with the group the Charity called Jill's Blankets. This is a group of people who make and deliver polar fleece blankets to patients undergoing chemotherapy and who were friends of the founder Jill Ward. See more info on their website. https://jillsblankets.org/
2. Janice Louge presented information about Destination Church at Southpark Mall Outreach. Janice shared updated information since she last presented this charity..
More information on this organization can be found at https://www.destinationchurch.com/
3. Diane Schriewer shared details on a charity we previously funded in 2019. This charity is Worthdays and was established to aid children in Foster Care. Initially the goal was to present the child with a Birthday cake and some small gifts to make them feel worthy. It has grown in many ways where they also advocate for over 500 children who are not served in the best way with the bureaucracy of the Va. Foster Care system. Find out more at www.worthdays.org
Ballots were collected and the following two past recipients shared more about their missions and how our funds have helped them in their respective operations.
Bruce Slough, representing St. Francis Manchester, our Oct 2024 winner gave a brief overview of the organization and the financial challenges. He thanked everyone for their interest and allowing funds to be added to the general operating fund. They are the only Assisted Living Facility in Va. offering the type of service they provide.
Ken Jordon the board member for Launch for Life who was the Jan 2025 recipient shared many stories of ways they have assisted young boys and their mothers through their personal time and efforts thereby enriching the lives of many young boys and who do not have a father figure in their lives. Like wise the program is more successful when the Moms participate in the program.
The Winner of this quarters funds was awarded to Jill’s Blankets

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