Victoria Williams, age 87 of North Richmond, is known in her community as “Mother Williams.” Last year, Community Presbyterian Church, Danville (CPC) launched a food drive, Summer of Hope, to provide non-perishable groceries to help her feed the hungry. It was then that CPC came to know why “Mother” is the perfect name for her.
Mother Williams feeds about 150 people every Friday, noon, in North Richmond at McGlothen Temple Church of God. She has been bringing hope and providing hot meals to the hungry for 27 years. Each Wednesday Mother Williams collects groceries from the food bank and continues her work on Thursday and Friday for preparation—storing, washing, cutting and cooking. On Friday mornings Mother Williams arrives, full of energy and ready to work at 6:00 AM, to prepare the perfect meal. “It’s a lot of work and you have to be mission minded.” Volunteers are eager to help after finding her passion to help others contagious. Mother Williams also provides clothes and motherly advice, offering wise guidance to manage through life’s struggles. “If I can help in any way, I am there for them.”
North Richmond has its challenges; from gang violence, murders, drug use and it is home to families where most fall below the poverty line. Operation Richmond began two years ago to inspire collaboration with the City of Richmond and local church pastors representing the African American, Latino and Caucasian communities. All are key players in the effort to defeat the drug-inspired violence that plagues Richmond. Providing a complete and healthy meal and lots of love is Mother William’s way to partner with Operation Richmond. She offers hope in the midst of the hard life many experience in this part of the Bay Area. And, she plans to continue to be “Mother” to these families. “I don’t think I’m going to retire. I’m in it until the end. I want to work until the day is done.”
Summer is typically a time when charitable giving can fall short. Yet, the needs of those who fall below the poverty line remains. The contagious compassion of Mother Williams and those like her caring for people in need, is a blessing to many families.
CPC Welcomes ALL to Participate in Summer of Hope!
Last year through Summer of Hope, the CPC congregation and Danville community donated 3,000 bags of groceries. This year CPC is looking forward to Summer of Hope’s 2nd annual food drive, with a “double” challenge to collect 6,000 bags! CPC welcomes all who would like to participate and make a difference this summer. Groceries donated will be distributed to support Mother Williams at the McGlothen Temple Church of God, kitchen. Christian Home Baptist Church and Garden of Peace, Ministries are two other churches who will be distributing donations through Summer of Hope. See below for details on how you can help Feed a City.
Please support Summer of Hope and Victoria Williams so she can continue her important work in North Richmond, caring for and being “Mother” to everyone she meets.
Scan the QR code to view a video of Mother Williams or view the video at www.cpcdanville.org
Please donate non-perishable groceries or canned goods (no alcoholic beverages) delivered in a paper, plastic or cloth bag, to: Community Presbyterian Church, 222 W. El Pintado Dr., Danville California 94526, on Saturday, August 25th 5:00 to 6:30 pm and Sunday, August 26th, 9:00 am to noon. For more information, call (925) 837-5525, or e-mail SHARE@cpcdanville.org
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