Effort by BCCTC, Matthew’s Haven works to push cause

Bridging Communities Career and Technical Center (BCCTC) web and game design class has teamed up with Matthew’s Haven to provide a more interactive web site to promote the organization.

With a low amount of funds available to Matthew’s Haven, BCCTC students began working on the web page under the direction of instructor Paula Canaday. Now, the website, donated free to the organization, is managed and maintaned by students who volunteer hours and continuously update the web page.

Matthew’s Haven began in 2001 as a community outreach program at St. Peter’s Parish Church. In 2008, the program became incorporated and received nonprofit status in 2010.

The group aims to provide basic daily necessities for children and their families that most people take for granted such as food, new undergarments, gently used clothing (through another partnership with two local thrift stores), shoes, baby equipment, and diapers. They also assist with funding for energy assistance and shelter assistance to help prevent homelessness when possible.

The organization is 100 percent volunteer based, with multiple programs that include a back to school fair, coat drives, and “Give a Child a Christmas.”

The organization assists primarily New Kent and Charles City residents. They began the Supporting, Empowering, Loving, Finding, Independence and Esteem (SELFIE) program to provide more assistance for students in the clasroom.

The group plans to hold its third annual Denim & Diamonds Auction on June 7, at Royal New Kent Golf Course. The event is the group’s largest fundraiser, and organizers hope to spread the word.

You can find out more information about Matthew’s Haven by visiting www.matthewshaven.org or calling 400-4265. Tickets for the fundraiser are also available for purchase online or via phone.