Community Spotlight: SML Gives Inc.
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New nonprofit builds on Smith Mountain Lake’s spirit of giving with new programs to end hunger.
When neighbors face hunger, the Smith Mountain Lake community responds with compassion and action. Now a new nonprofit is taking that commitment to the next level.
Founded by Joey Donovant, SML Gives Inc. unites neighbors, businesses and community leaders to fight hunger across the SML region. Originally envisioned as a redistribution group focused on raising and distributing funds, SML Gives has expanded its plan to include direct-to-neighbor food services while maintaining its role as a resource engine for local partners.
SML Gives Inc. is a newly formed nonprofit with its own leadership and mission, separate from the annual SML Gives fundraising event created and hosted by SML Good Neighbors. The two share a commitment to the community but operate independently, and the new nonprofit may assume the fundraiser in the future. For the 2026 event, SML Gives Inc. will co-host with SML Good Neighbors.
Three Ways SML Gives Fights Hunger at Smith Mountain Lake
SML Gives Inc. operates three programs to address hunger from multiple angles:
Mobile Food Distribution Program
Mobile Food Distribution brings food directly to neighbors in need. In partnership with Lake Christian Ministries, volunteers deliver food boxes to families in Bedford, Pittsylvania and Franklin counties using private vehicles until a dedicated vehicle is secured. The organization has been vetted by the national Meals on Wheels network and will add hot meal deliveries for seniors, targeted to launch shortly after New Year’s. A targeted fundraising campaign for the distribution vehicle is ready to launch, and partnerships with regional pantries and soup kitchens will continue to expand.
Partner Pantry Program
Partner Pantry Program provides direct support to pantries, soup kitchens and other nonprofits serving neighbors. Through food supplies, emergency funding and a mini-grant program, SML Gives strengthens organizations already doing vital work. Partnerships now include any area group with a feeding or food component. For example, SML Good Neighbors and SML Gives are developing a plan for SML Gives to provide or sponsor food for the 2026 Summer Camp Program, such as breakfast for campers and weekend backpack meals.
SML Gives Empowerment Center
The SML Gives Empowerment Center will serve as a physical hub, housing a neighborhood pantry, community kitchen and garden and a career readiness center with computer access and resume help. In development, the center will include satellite offices for the Virginia Workforce Connection for resume building, career readiness and training. An Interview Closet will offer professional clothing, and a salon booth staffed by local barbers and stylists will provide haircuts. Meeting space will be available for partner programs and community use as initiatives roll out.
A Celebration of Giving: SML Gives, Inc. Holiday Benefit
On Dec. 13, 2025, SML Gives Inc. will host its Holiday Benefit at Magnum Point Marina. Now in its second year, the event features a celebrity chef-prepared dinner along with entertainment from Sound Dawg Productions and professional holiday portraits. The evening includes raffle prizes, a silent auction and 50/50 cash drawings, all supporting the mission to end hunger at SML.
SML Gives Inc. operates from an office on the Lake Christian Ministries campus, reflecting the collaborative spirit behind this work. Learn more at smlgivesinc.org.
