Outreach & Missions

Serving our community and strengthening faith through action.

Getting Involved

Make a Difference

At St. James the Less, faith calls us to action. We're committed to serving those in need and building a more just community. There are many ways to get involved—find an opportunity that speaks to your heart.

Our Ministry Areas

Volunteers and clinicians at the St. James the Less Free Clinic

Health Care

SJTL Free Clinic

A faith-based healing ministry offering free medical and dental care to uninsured, low-income Hanover County neighbors with compassion, dignity, and respect. Pop your head in some Wednesday evening—we are in the lower level of the church at Beverly Road and Lee Avenue.

Volunteers packing food bags for the Food Backpack Program

Hunger Relief

Food Backpack Program

Every Thursday during the school year, volunteers meet at The Supply Room Co. and pack roughly 300 bags for children in our school district—each holding two days of food to carry a student through the weekend. Groceries are funded entirely by private donations.

A dog beside an empty food bowl, for the Noah’s Ark pet food pantry

Pet Food Pantry

Noah’s Ark Animal Outreach

A free pet food pantry every Wednesday from 6–8 pm in the church basement, so families facing hardship can keep beloved pets at home instead of surrendering them. Donations go in the Noah’s Ark in the narthex.

Members of the Senior High Youth Group serving in the community

Youth Outreach

Senior High Youth Group

Our senior high youth put faith into action—helping with CARITAS, leading the Hanover ARC Christmas gift program, gathering supplies for the Ashland Christian Emergency Society, and joining the Tri-Cities Work Camp in Petersburg each summer to renovate homes.

Working Together

Community Partnerships

Alongside our own ministries, St. James supports partner organisations working on hunger, health, and education across the region.

Fresh local produce from Fall Line Farms

Local Food

Fall Line Farms

St. James serves as a pickup location for Fall Line Farms, a local food co-op featuring foods, plants, and goods from area farms. Order online during the week and…

Collected poptops destined for Ronald McDonald House Charities

Poptop Collection

Ronald McDonald House

We collect poptops in memory of Charlotte Reynolds for RMHC Richmond, which provides a home-away-from-home for families whose children are receiving care at local…

Peter Paul Development Center in Richmond’s East End

Richmond’s East End

Peter Paul Development Center

An urban ministry of the Diocese of Virginia serving youth and seniors in Richmond’s East End through after-school and summer programs, mentoring, and food…

How You Can Help

Volunteer Opportunities

Your Time Matters

Whether you can spare an hour a month or several hours a week, there is a place for you—packing food bags, staffing the clinic, sorting pet food, or driving a donation across town.

Financial Support

Give & Support

Nearly all of this work is funded by private donations. Every gift directly supplies a backpack, a clinic visit, or a bag of pet food for a neighbor who needs it.

Ready to Serve?

Contact us to learn about volunteer opportunities or make a donation.