In 1976, after a Thanksgiving service together, three churches in Mechanicsville began working together to help families in the area by forming the Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions or MCEF. As the population of Mechanicsville has grown, more churches have become involved. Today, over 30 Mechanicsville churches plus businesses and individuals combine their mission resources through MCEF. Together, we can do more to help our neighbors in need and we see evidence of God's blessings being magnified upon our community.
Most of the families that we help are referred to us through local churches or the Hanover Department of Social Services. They live paycheck to paycheck, and have little or no savings. If they experience a medical emergency or have an accident or lose a job, they can't keep up with the rent, utility bills, living expenses, and medicines. Monetary donations pay essential bills and help these families avoid utility cut-off or eviction. Clothing, linens and non-perishable foods are collected by churches, organizations, individuals and businesses to help keep the MCEF closets and food pantry well-stocked. MCEF also provides rides for senior adults through the Hanover Senior Rides Program.
