Generosity in action: Turning passion into purpose

Midlothian, Virginia
Young adults with autism gathered to make personalized pizzas and build friendships at an event hosted by the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV). Violet Martin and her son, Joe, led a Thrivent Action Team that provided cooking tools, ingredients and volunteers for the inaugural “Cooking and Conversations” program. Led by Jon Greene, ASCV’s director of Teen and Adult Programs, the event focuses on helping those with autism build life skills and foster social connections. Violet, who has a family member with autism, has supported multiple ASCV events through Thrivent Action Teams.

Willits, California
Christmas came early at St. John Lutheran, where members spent the summer gathering items for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. Nancy Bliese led a Thrivent Action Team that collected toys, hygiene products, accessories and school supplies from late May through August. The effort culminated in a “Pack a Box” party, where church members packed 100 boxes while enjoying a potluck and ice cream social. Proceeds from a bake sale, along with Thrivent Action Team seed money, helped cover shipping costs.

Charlotte, North Carolina
When Christ Lutheran Church partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to provide free beds for local children in need, Robin LaFollette led a Thrivent Action Team with her Bible study group to collect sheets for each bed. Church members raised funds for materials, including mattresses, and hosted build days to cut, sand and assemble the beds, while the church’s quilting group created handmade quilts. Under the leadership of Chris Barkoukis, since Aug. 10, 2025, Christ Lutheran has delivered 203 beds to children in the Charlotte community.