Newsletters - Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association

Giving Thanks with OCCCDA

As Thanksgiving approaches, the Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association would like to take a look back on the donations and opportunities from this past year that we are truly grateful have allowed us to continue carrying out our mission of extending healing and hope throughout our community.

Like many small businesses, the Exchange Thrift Store felt the effects of the pandemic and OCCCDA made the difficult decision to close its doors in April of 2021. As a result, the jobs and tangible resources the Exchange once offered were no longer available in addition to the open community spaces and offices OCCCDA staff used on a daily basis. In light of this news, the Exchange’s neighbor M&T Bank, who had been investing in our work via the NPP tax credit program, opened their doors to offer new office spaces. Their investment and partnership with us goes beyond providing funding and real estate. M&T Bank opened its space to us to continue our economic development work close to the people we serve, as well as meeting spaces to offer seminars to small businesses and residents alike. In addition, M&T has also given OCCCDA the opportunity to continue running our food distribution program from their own parking lot that serves 150 families per month in addition to the 100+ served weekly at our main site.

Inspired by this generous donation and OCCCDA’s continued support of our community, a new wave of volunteers have stepped forward. Residents that have seen our food distribution program in action have become a part of the bigger picture. One resident in particular has even volunteered to accompany residents on their walks home with their new groceries. Throughout these uncertain times, it’s evident that our community thrives on supporting one another. That is why our food distribution program also works to support local grocers by purchasing our donations from them, giving job security to many small business owners in the area. We are also extremely grateful for our Workforce Development staff who are working to supply job placement and job readiness services to the participants in our food distribution program, as we move from immediate relief to sustainable empowerment.

OCCCDA is blessed to have the partnerships and buy-in from the community to provide both relief and development throughout our community and to truly see how others have been inspired to join in. For more information on making charitable contributions with business tax credits to organizations like OCCCDA, click here.