Category: Uncategorized

After nearly a year of homelessness, caring for her chronically ill mother while trying to stay afloat, she finally got the call: they had stable housing. But moving in with nothing was overwhelming—until her therapist, who had never met her in person but had been her biggest cheerleader throughout the struggle, reached out to Mercy Mall.
Together, they arrived at our doors—tired but full of hope. Mom looked forward to the warmth of blankets. Her daughter was thrilled for new clothes. What they found was more than material help. They found kindness, dignity, and a fresh start.
When asked what they want others to know, mom said, “I don’t give up.” Her daughter added, “I’m really nice,” recalling how she hugged a stranger once just to brighten her day—something she’s done more than once.
Their dream? Healing and paying it forward. And one day, to give back with the same compassion they received. Mercy Mall didn’t just fill their home—it helped them believe in a future full of hope, generosity, and legacy.

His smile said it all. Living with his family in an extended-stay hotel, this young boy has faced more challenges in his short life than many adults. When volunteers handed him a bag of toys—including a karaoke machine—his entire face lit up. His mother’s eyes filled with tears as she whispered, “This is the first new toy he’s had in over a year. You don’t know what this means to us.”
This summer, through a partnership with Henrico County Public Schools’ McKinney-Vento division and Toys for Tots, Mercy Mall of Virginia was able to serve 300 children living in housing instability. On July 10, 17, and 24, each child received up to three brand-new toys—thanks to Toys for Tots making toys available outside of the traditional holiday season.
For families crammed into a single room with little more than a couple of beds, toys are often the first thing to disappear. With limited resources and space, “extras” like playthings are rarely possible. Yet toys are essential to childhood—they spark imagination, bring joy, and offer comfort in difficult seasons. We are deeply grateful to the McKinney-Vento Team and Toys for Tots for making this possible, and honored to be a conduit for change and play. These toys were more than gifts; they were a reminder to children that they are seen, loved, and not forgotten as they step into a new school year. #MoreThanAToy2025

A few years ago, Bellina was homeless—no stability, no support, and no place to turn. That’s when she found Mercy Mall. Through clothing, shoes, prayer, and encouragement, she began to rebuild her life. Now, she’s returned—but this time, for a different reason.
“Just recently I found out I was pregnant,” she shared. “I didn’t even know I could have kids. I was already three months along and had nothing. But I called Mercy Mall, and you were so supportive.” She first heard about Mercy Mall from her sister, who received help while raising three children. “She needed a boost of hope—and you came through. Then she told me about you, and the rest is history.” This time, she received more than she ever expected. “Clothes, little toys, trinkets—all the things a baby should come home to.” What she wants people to know? “I’m strong. I have a lot of resilience.” Her hope for the future is simple and powerful:
“A safe and healthy delivery—and a prosperous future for my family.” Thanks to Mercy Mall, her story is no longer defined by crisis, but by strength, renewal, and legacy.

Just weeks away from welcoming her first baby, Renee found herself overwhelmed—unprepared and unsure how she’d provide for her growing family. Financial stress, fear of the unknown, and the rapid approach of motherhood felt like too much to carry alone.
That’s when a high school friend, sensing her need, reached out to Mercy Mall on her behalf. “I don’t even know why she did it,” Renee said. “But I’m so grateful she did.”
At Mercy Mall, Renee received exactly what she needed—clothes, baby items, and most importantly, diapers. “I heard they go fast, and I was so excited to get some,” she shared with relief. But Renee’s vision stretches beyond today. “I just want stability—to not worry about the future. I want my family to live comfortably.” She’s also deepening her faith: “You can’t really choose the world and choose God,” she said. “I’m learning to seek His will.”
And when asked what she hopes others see in her, Renee simply said, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” She’s more than her story—she’s building a legacy of strength, faith, and hope for her family and her community.
And because of you, she doesn’t have to build it alone. Your support gave Renee more than essentials—it gave her dignity, encouragement, and a chance to keep moving forward.

Six years without a home. No stability, no certainty—just survival. That was Mariah’s reality until she and her brother finally secured housing. But rebuilding from nothing isn’t easy. When they were referred to Mercy Mall through a local housing program, they came for essentials—what they found was compassion, dignity, and a new beginning.
“Mercy Mall is one of the kindest places I’ve ever experienced,” Mariah said. From baby gear and household items to school supplies for her son heading to college—even a new pair of glasses after nine months without—every small gift made a huge impact.
“I’m not just grateful—I’m joyful,” she smiled. “Joyful that people care enough to come alongside others who are starting fresh.”
But Mariah’s story doesn’t stop there. With a heart to give back, she dreams of launching #StayConnected, a social media hub that links people in need with local resources and support. “I want to be a small bridge of connection,” she said. “Just like Mercy Mall was for me.”

and her teenage daughter had just escaped a domestic violence situation in Arkansas. Leaving everything behind, they faced an uncertain future—but Jane was determined to create a safe, stable life for her daughter.
A friend in the mental health field told Jane about Mercy Mall. When she walked through our doors, she found more than clothing and essentials. She found dignity. Even simple items—like car windshield wipers—helped them move forward during a time when every small step mattered. Despite all she’s endured, Jane’s resolve is unshakable. “I won’t stop,” she says. “With the adversities I’ve been through, I refuse to give up.” Her dream is not just to rebuild—but to give back. She wants to help others who feel lost, just as she once did. Today, she’s working on her first book, using her story to teach life skills and offer hope to those facing hard places.
Jane’s journey is still unfolding, but her legacy of resilience, purpose, and compassion is already taking root—for her family, and for generations to come.

Emily gripped her son’s tiny hand as they stepped through the doors of Mercy Mall. She had always been strong—working any job she could find, pushing forward one step at a time—but today, she allowed herself to receive.
Her family came to the U.S. from Ecuador, chasing the promise of a better future. A friend told her about Mercy Mall, and she applied, not knowing what to expect. What she found was more than assistance—it was kindness, dignity, and a reminder that she wasn’t alone.
When asked what she received, she placed her hand over her heart and said in Spanish, “So much. I am so grateful and thankful to God. I feel like when someone does the right thing, God always provides.” One of the biggest blessings was a bike—something small to some but life-changing for her. Now, she and her three-year-old son could ride together, feeling the wind in their faces, a rare moment of joy. And this was made possible by you.
Because of your generosity, Emily received essentials for her family and a renewed sense of hope. She holds onto that same spirit of giving: “If I have something I no longer need, I pass it along.” Her dream? “To give my children a promising future and for my family to be well.” Thank you for making that future possible.

Mark stood at the threshold of his new beginning, a borrowed set of dress shoes in one hand, a heart full of determination in the other. Just months ago, the idea of stability felt like a distant dream—one that had been buried under the weight of past struggles. But when a fellow member of Narcotics Anonymous told him about Mercy Mall, something shifted. Hope. A chance to rebuild.
At Mercy Mall, Mark found more than just household essentials—he found dignity. A set of business casual clothes meant he could walk into interviews with confidence. A fresh start in stable housing gave him the space to breathe and dream again. And his dreams? They’re nothing short of extraordinary. “One thing about me—I’m determined,” Mark says, his eyes filled with the kind of resolve that refuses to break. “Life is not over yet. Keep pushing. Keep moving forward. No matter what you’re going through, it’s not the end.”
With that same fire, Mark is now applying to graduate school for Leadership and Public Policy at VCU and UVA. His goal? To change the healthcare system—because he’s seen firsthand how it fails those who need it most. “Healthcare is a human right. People deserve not just access, but quality care. I’ve watched too many suffer because they were overlooked.”
And he’s not stopping there. Law school is next. A Judicial Doctorate will give him the power to write and pass policies that protect the vulnerable. Because Mark knows that survival is just the beginning—thriving is the goal. From struggling to stay afloat to charting a course for lasting change, Mark’s story isn’t just one of resilience. It’s a testament to the power of second chances—and what happens when someone believes in you.
At Mercy Mall, we’re honored to be part of stories like Mark’s. Because when you give someone the tools to rebuild their life, you’re not just meeting a need—you’re sparking a future.

Mercy Mall offers several tax-efficient ways for you to support families experiencing crises through your retirement funds. Whether you are looking for immediate impact or long-term legacy giving, here are the options available:

1. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

• For IRA holders aged 70½ or older
• Donate directly from your IRA to Mercy Mall tax-free
• Counts toward “Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)” (for those aged 73 and older).
• Avoids income tax** on the distribution.
• Can donate up to “$100,000 per year” (adjusted for inflation starting in 2024).
• How to Give:  Contact your IRA custodian and request a direct transfer to Mercy Mall.

 2. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

• A “DAF” allows you to contribute funds, receive an “immediate tax deduction”, and distribute funds over time.
• Gifting appreciated assets (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) avoids capital gains taxes.
• How to Give: Recommend a grant to Mercy Mall through your DAF sponsor (e.g., Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable).

3. Naming Mercy Mall as a Beneficiary

• Designate Mercy Mall as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement account.
• Avoids income and estate taxes on the remaining funds.
• A simple way to leave a lasting legacy without affecting current finances.
• How to Give: Update the “beneficiary designation form” with your plan administrator.

4. Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)

• Transfer retirement assets into a trust that provides “income for life” (or a set number of years), with the remainder benefiting Mercy Mall.
• How to Give: Work with a financial advisor or estate planner to establish a CRT.

5. 401(k) or IRA Rollover to a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA)

• Convert retirement assets into a “fixed lifetime income stream”, with the remainder going to Mercy Mall.
• How to Give: Discuss CGAs with a financial institution that offers them.

6. Charitable Lead Trust (CLT)

• Provides income to Mercy Mall for a set period before the remaining assets pass to heirs or beneficiaries.
• Can reduce gift and estate taxes while supporting Mercy Mall’s mission.
• How to Give: Work with an attorney or financial advisor to create a CLT.

❓Need Help Getting Started?

We recommend consulting your financial advisor or estate planner to determine the best giving strategy for your situation.

For questions about how your gift can make an impact, contact Mercy Mall at stacey@mercymallva.org.

Thank you for partnering with us to serve families experiencing crises!

Tears filled her eyes as she unzipped the suitcase. Inside, she found not just clothes, but a brand-new name-brand purse and wallet—something she had always dreamed of owning but never thought possible.

For women leaving incarceration with nothing, a Case of Hope is more than a suitcase—it’s a fresh start. It’s proof that someone sees them, cares for them, and believes they are worth more than their past mistakes.

“These women cry when they open their suitcases,” shared an officer who picks them up for Mercy Mall. “Many of them feel like they have nothing good about them. But when they receive these items, they realize they matter.”

Without basic necessities, survival can feel impossible, and some may feel forced to steal just to get by—risking their future and even their life. A suitcase filled with essentials can be the difference between desperation and dignity. When you give a suitcase, you give someone hope, protection, and a chance for a new beginning.

Thanks to your generosity, a Case of Hope becomes so much more than a suitcase. We were able to pack 541 cases this past year! It offers a renewed sense of dignity to women who may have felt invisible for years. It communicates compassion, care, and the belief that their lives matter. Each suitcase is a powerful step toward a fresh start, filled with hope, encouragement, and the tools to build a brighter future.