Serving with Love at Rosalind Hills Baptist Church
At Rosalind Hills Baptist Church in Roanoke, VA, our community outreach is centered on providing for both the physical and spiritual needs of our neighbors. Two of our most important and effective ministries are the Food Bank and the Clothing Closet, both of which serve our local community on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Our volunteers are passionate about these efforts, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing difficult times.
The Food Bank operates as a convenient drive-thru model, allowing recipients to stay in their cars as our dedicated volunteers load up groceries and essential items. This setup ensures quick and efficient service for those who might be pressed for time or unable to leave their vehicles. Meanwhile, the Clothing Closet invites recipients inside, where they can "shop" the shelves and racks of donated clothing at no cost. This setup creates a dignified and comfortable environment, allowing individuals to select items that best fit their needs and preferences.
The Food Bank operates as a convenient drive-thru model, allowing recipients to stay in their cars as our dedicated volunteers load up groceries and essential items. This setup ensures quick and efficient service for those who might be pressed for time or unable to leave their vehicles. Meanwhile, the Clothing Closet invites recipients inside, where they can "shop" the shelves and racks of donated clothing at no cost. This setup creates a dignified and comfortable environment, allowing individuals to select items that best fit their needs and preferences.
Our Food Bank: Providing More Than Groceries
The Rosalind Hills Food Bank is more than a place to receive groceries—it’s a place of hope. For many families in our area, putting food on the table is an ongoing struggle. We recognize that food insecurity doesn’t have a single cause, nor does it have a simple solution. Whether due to job loss, illness, or the rising cost of living, many families find themselves in need of extra help to make ends meet. Our food bank is here to offer that help with dignity and compassion.
We’ve designed our food bank to be as efficient and comfortable as possible. We operate as a drive-thru, meaning recipients don’t have to leave their cars or stand in line. Instead, our dedicated volunteers meet them where they are—literally and figuratively. With a quick registration process and a warm greeting, we load up their trunks with food and other essentials, offering both the physical nourishment of groceries and the emotional nourishment of kindness.
Each week, we provide a variety of food items—staples like canned goods, pasta, and rice, as well as fresh produce, dairy, and sometimes even household items. But the food is just part of what we offer. We know that the families coming through our drive-thru need more than groceries; they need encouragement, support, and the assurance that someone cares about them. That’s why our volunteers are always ready to listen, offer a smile, or pray with those who ask.
We’ve designed our food bank to be as efficient and comfortable as possible. We operate as a drive-thru, meaning recipients don’t have to leave their cars or stand in line. Instead, our dedicated volunteers meet them where they are—literally and figuratively. With a quick registration process and a warm greeting, we load up their trunks with food and other essentials, offering both the physical nourishment of groceries and the emotional nourishment of kindness.
Each week, we provide a variety of food items—staples like canned goods, pasta, and rice, as well as fresh produce, dairy, and sometimes even household items. But the food is just part of what we offer. We know that the families coming through our drive-thru need more than groceries; they need encouragement, support, and the assurance that someone cares about them. That’s why our volunteers are always ready to listen, offer a smile, or pray with those who ask.
A Word of Encouragement
One of the most meaningful aspects of our food bank ministry is the personal connection we develop with the families we serve. For some, the need for assistance is temporary; for others, it may last longer. Regardless of their situation, we strive to ensure that every interaction is filled with grace and love. We believe in treating everyone with dignity, just as Christ would.
Take, for example, a single mother we recently served. After losing her job during the pandemic, she struggled to make ends meet while caring for her two young children. When she first arrived at our food bank, she was nervous and unsure of what to expect. But as she drove through, she was greeted with warmth and compassion. One of our volunteers took a moment to ask how she was doing and offered to pray with her. As she left, she remarked that it wasn’t just the food that helped her that day—it was the feeling that she wasn’t alone.
Stories like hers are why we do what we do. We know that many of the people we serve are facing incredibly difficult situations, and while food helps, it’s the love of Christ that truly changes lives. Our food bank is just one way we share that love with our community.
Take, for example, a single mother we recently served. After losing her job during the pandemic, she struggled to make ends meet while caring for her two young children. When she first arrived at our food bank, she was nervous and unsure of what to expect. But as she drove through, she was greeted with warmth and compassion. One of our volunteers took a moment to ask how she was doing and offered to pray with her. As she left, she remarked that it wasn’t just the food that helped her that day—it was the feeling that she wasn’t alone.
Stories like hers are why we do what we do. We know that many of the people we serve are facing incredibly difficult situations, and while food helps, it’s the love of Christ that truly changes lives. Our food bank is just one way we share that love with our community.
The Clothing Closet: Meeting Practical Needs with Grace
In addition to our food bank, we also run a Clothing Closet ministry, which operates during the same hours on Mondays and Thursdays. This ministry provides clothing to those in need, completely free of charge. Much like our food bank, the Clothing Closet is designed to meet a very real and practical need while preserving the dignity of those we serve.
The Clothing Closet allows recipients to “shop” our shelves and racks of donated clothes, selecting whatever they need. We carry a wide variety of items, including children’s clothes, professional attire, everyday wear, and even shoes and accessories. Whether someone needs a warm coat for the winter, new clothes for a child starting school, or an outfit for a job interview, they are free to take what they need without worrying about the cost.
The volunteers who run the Clothing Closet are just as passionate as those who serve in the food bank. They understand that clothing is more than just a necessity—it’s about helping people feel confident, comfortable, and cared for. It’s also about showing respect and offering kindness. We believe that everyone deserves to have clean, well-fitting clothes, and we’re honored to provide that for our community.
The Clothing Closet allows recipients to “shop” our shelves and racks of donated clothes, selecting whatever they need. We carry a wide variety of items, including children’s clothes, professional attire, everyday wear, and even shoes and accessories. Whether someone needs a warm coat for the winter, new clothes for a child starting school, or an outfit for a job interview, they are free to take what they need without worrying about the cost.
The volunteers who run the Clothing Closet are just as passionate as those who serve in the food bank. They understand that clothing is more than just a necessity—it’s about helping people feel confident, comfortable, and cared for. It’s also about showing respect and offering kindness. We believe that everyone deserves to have clean, well-fitting clothes, and we’re honored to provide that for our community.
A Place of Dignity and Grace
One of the things that sets our food bank and Clothing Closet apart is our focus on dignity. We want the people who come to us for help to feel respected and valued, not embarrassed or ashamed. That’s why we’ve designed both ministries to be as convenient and welcoming as possible. The drive-thru model for the food bank ensures that families can receive what they need without having to leave their cars or worry about the logistics of carrying heavy bags. Meanwhile, the Clothing Closet allows people to choose their own items, giving them a sense of agency and control.
Our volunteers play a critical role in fostering this environment of grace. They come from all walks of life— retirees, working professionals, parents—and they all share a deep commitment to serving others. Whether they’re packing food boxes, sorting clothing donations, or greeting families as they arrive, our volunteers are the heart of these ministries.
One volunteer, Debbie, who has been involved with the Clothing Closet for several years, says, “I love seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they find something they really need. It’s not just about the clothes—it’s about letting people know they’re cared for. It’s such a small thing, but it makes a big difference.”
Our volunteers play a critical role in fostering this environment of grace. They come from all walks of life— retirees, working professionals, parents—and they all share a deep commitment to serving others. Whether they’re packing food boxes, sorting clothing donations, or greeting families as they arrive, our volunteers are the heart of these ministries.
One volunteer, Debbie, who has been involved with the Clothing Closet for several years, says, “I love seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they find something they really need. It’s not just about the clothes—it’s about letting people know they’re cared for. It’s such a small thing, but it makes a big difference.”
Meeting the Growing Need in Roanoke
The need for food and clothing assistance in Roanoke has grown significantly in recent years. According to Feeding America, one in seven people in our region faces food insecurity, and the numbers are even higher for children. Many families are struggling to put food on the table, and with rising costs for everything from groceries to rent, more and more people are turning to food banks like ours for help.
Similarly, clothing insecurity is a real issue, especially for families with growing children, job seekers, and individuals experiencing homelessness. For those living on a tight budget, buying new clothes often takes a back seat to other pressing expenses. That’s where our Clothing Closet comes in, helping to ease that burden and provide some relief.
At Rosalind Hills, we see these ministries not as temporary solutions, but as part of a long-term commitment to our community. We know that hunger and poverty are complex issues, but we also know that God calls us to serve those in need. Our food bank and Clothing Closet are two ways we answer that call, providing for the physical needs of our neighbors while also sharing the hope and love of Jesus.
Similarly, clothing insecurity is a real issue, especially for families with growing children, job seekers, and individuals experiencing homelessness. For those living on a tight budget, buying new clothes often takes a back seat to other pressing expenses. That’s where our Clothing Closet comes in, helping to ease that burden and provide some relief.
At Rosalind Hills, we see these ministries not as temporary solutions, but as part of a long-term commitment to our community. We know that hunger and poverty are complex issues, but we also know that God calls us to serve those in need. Our food bank and Clothing Closet are two ways we answer that call, providing for the physical needs of our neighbors while also sharing the hope and love of Jesus.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in our community, we would love for you to get involved in these ministries. Whether you have a few hours a week to volunteer or can make a donation, there are many ways to help. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Volunteer: We’re always looking for more volunteers to help pack food, sort clothing, and assist recipients during our operating hours. Whether you’re available once a week or once a month, we’d be happy to have you join us.
- Donate: In addition to food donations, we also accept gently used clothing for the Clothing Closet. Items like winter coats, children’s clothes, and professional attire are especially needed. Monetary donations are also appreciated and help us purchase food and clothing items in bulk.
- Pray: If you’re unable to volunteer or donate, please keep our ministries in your prayers. Pray for the families we serve, for our volunteers, and for the continued success of the food bank and Clothing Closet.
Serving with the Love of Christ
At Rosalind Hills Baptist Church, we believe that serving others is one of the best ways to live out our faith. The food bank and Clothing Closet are two of the most important ways we can do that, providing for the practical needs of our community while also sharing the love and hope of Christ. Through these ministries, we have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, not just by meeting their physical needs but by offering encouragement, kindness, and
grace.
We invite you to be a part of this work—whether through volunteering, donating, or simply praying for our efforts. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community, showing the love of Christ one meal, one outfit, and one interaction at a time.
grace.
We invite you to be a part of this work—whether through volunteering, donating, or simply praying for our efforts. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community, showing the love of Christ one meal, one outfit, and one interaction at a time.