In 1979, the time was right, the time was ‘now’! Community need for emergency help was rising and resources were very limited. Churches did what they could, people chipped in to help, but there needed to be an organized effort to join forces to make a greater impact in the lives of families in need.

This was when a devoted Social Worker and three local Pastors came together to form Stafford Emergency Relief through Volunteer Efforts, affectionately known as SERVE. Read more about their story here.

SERVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving all of Stafford County as well as portions of Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George Counties and the City of Fredericksburg.

S.E.R.V.E. (Stafford Emergency Relief through Volunteer Efforts)

Much of there support comes through individuals as well as through organizations and agencies like the Stafford County Government, the Rappahannock United Way and the combined federal campaign, the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, The Community Foundation including The Honeywell Charitable Fund and a variety of other partnerships with businesses, churches and other organizations! S.E.R.V.E. and their guests are very grateful for the support and blessings we receive.

Below are some of the services they offer to the local community.

Food Pantry

Through their food pantry, they distribute food to low-income families who are unable to stretch their SNAP benefits, are suffering with a recent emergency, or are Senior Citizens who are on a fixed income and need the help. They also assist with helping our clients to qualify for ‘USDA’ and ‘Food for Life’ government subsidy programs.

Emergency Financial /Utility Assistance

Upon completing their screening process, they can provide assistance with, utilities and medications for their clients. Monies may be used all at once or throughout the year as needed.

Holiday Programs

With the help of our AMAZING community, they are able to provide lovely Thanksgiving and Christmas “Baskets” of food, including Turkeys to about 350 families during the Holidays. Each one is full of all of the traditional foods that make these seasons so special!

Prescription Assistance Program

Stafford Hospital Foundation has generously provided SERVE with a grant to help low-income Stafford County residents who need on-going prescription medications. The Community Pharmacy Prescription Program allows clients to attain their ongoing Prescriptions at an affordable rate and on a continual basis.