Shoes for Local Patients

by Doug Cochran

Many of us would walk past a clearance table at Walmart with shoes for a dollar. But not Cindy Brown from Anglican Church of the Valley (ACOTV) in Staunton, VA. Cindy purchased several large bags of new shoes to donate to patients at Western State Hospital. Patients frequently arrive at the hospital with few clothes or shoes and this donation was really appreciated by the hospital staff. They will be even more appreciated by those who wear these shoes.

ACOTV has been helping patients at Western State Hospital for several years. The last few Christmases, ACOTV donated scores of gifts and personal items for patients without family connections or who get nothing from anyone. We have also donated many giant bags of new and used clothing. Since so many of the hospital patients come into the hospital with little and are cut off from family and friends, simple things matter to them a lot. My wife and I keep up with things at the hospital by serving on citizen boards related to its operation. Western State is one of three major public mental hospital hospitals in Virginia. Members of the church have always been super generous in donating all sorts of needed and useful things to the hospital and to local shelters and other facilities.

Cindy Brown is the Senior Warden at Anglican Church of the Valley. Doug and Karen Cochran are the Outreach Coordinators and organized a Christmas collection of items for Western State Hospital.