Weekly column
Published: May 8, 2008

Pro Bono Publico - GRACE’s Board of Directors is in need of a lawyer who can provide guidance on several issues relating to nonprofit organization and governance.  Is there an attorney in Greene familiar with nonprofit law who would be willing to meet with the Board for an hour or so to provide advice on a few basic legal issues “for the good of the public.”
The Greene Alliance of Church and Community Efforts (GRACE) works with the Dept. of Social Services, Skyline CAP, JABA, Region 10, churches, businesses and civic groups in our community to help county residents in need.  We empower individuals and families with immediate or long-term needs by connecting them to appropriate agency providers or communicating their specific needs to our network of volunteers who may donate an item or service. 
Each week in the Record, “Community Connections” highlights current need requests received by GRACE in hopes of matching those needs with readers who are able to fulfill them.  Please contact GRACE at 985-6792 to offer assistance or to make a need known.  The office is located at Stanardsville Baptist Church, 103 Madison Rd, and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The answering machine is checked regularly.
Maternity Clothes - Used maternity clothes are being collected this month on behalf of the Pregnancy Centers in Charlottesville.  Expectant mothers needing clothing should contact them directly at 979-8888.  Collection points for donating used clothes are the Movie Gallery, Greene County Schools, the Library, and Shepherd of the Hills Catholic Church. 
Spring Clean-Up - Many families lack the financial resources to buy basic cleaning supplies to spruce up their homes this spring.  GRACE receives many requests for such items as bleach, glass cleaner, kitchen/bathroom cleaners, furniture polish/dust remover, scrub brushes, sponges, paper towels, plastic buckets, etc.  If you can spare any such cleaning items, please deliver them to the GRACE office.
Housecleaning - A 42-year old legally blind gentleman needs help cleaning his home.  He’ll provide good conversation to anyone willing to vacuum and dust once a week during the summer. 
Lawn Care - A Ruckersville man needs help mowing a small area around his house trailer.  A disabled lady on Middle River needs help mowing her lawn, which would take about one hour on a riding mower. 

Household Items - A DSS client needs various household items: lamps, dresser or night stand, washing machine.
Vehicles -A GRACE volunteer is providing weekly transportation to help a client earn a GED, but that person needs a used vehicle for transportation to school and work.
If you can help meet any of these needs, please call 985-6792.  You can also help by sending tax-deductible contributions to GRACE, P.O. Box 513, Stanardsville, VA 22973.