Thomasville, GA – December 31, 2024 – The Vashti Center, a faith-based nonprofit providing residential care and behavioral health services for foster youth, recently received a generous $5,000 donation from Canfor, one of the world’s largest producers of sustainable lumber, pulp, and paper, to support its residential food bank.
Vashti’s residential program serves 20 youth—10 boys and 10 girls—providing a safe and nurturing environment where they can heal, grow, and thrive. Preparing nutritious meals for these adolescents two to three times a day, plus snacks, is a significant undertaking. Canfor’s financial contribution will ensure Vashti’s kitchen staff has the resources they need to continue providing high-quality meals for the youth in their care.
“Canfor’s donation for our children’s dietary needs makes a significant impact on our kitchen staff’s capabilities to provide nutritious meals for our youth—we are grateful for their team’s generosity as they spearheaded their project during Thanksgiving to collect the funds as a team,” said David Sofferin, Executive Director of Vashti.
In addition to the monetary gift, Canfor’s team also donated buckets of toys for the children in Vashti’s Clubhouse, expanding their prize room and creating new opportunities for fun and play. “People like John Turner, Canfor’s Production Superintendent, and Sam Varn, Canfor’s Plant Manager, along with Mrs. Yuli Harrison and the entire team who contributed to this project, are the reason Vashti flourishes,” added Sofferin.
Audrey Copeland, Vashti’s Director of Marketing and Development, echoed the sentiment: “It’s a God thing. Spend a day on campus at Vashti and watch the magic unfold in ways you could never imagine. The generous spirit of our supporters is truly moving and brings tears of joy every day.”
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Since its founding in 1903 as a mission of the United Women in Faith, The Vashti Center has relied on the support of its surrounding communities and beyond. Contributions, whether through financial gifts, volunteering, or in-kind donations, help create a brighter future for the youth and expand Vashti’s reach across nine counties in southwest Georgia.
To learn more about how you can make a difference, please visit our website at vashti.org or email us at donate@vashti.org.