Spreading peace and joy through Bridging the Community virtual event

Roanoke, Virginia – Citizens are invited to participate in a special virtual event, Bridging the Community Gap, to spread peace and joy through our community. The event, which will be held on Thursday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m., at the City of Roanoke Christmas Tree in downtown Roanoke, will be livestreamed on the City of Roanoke – Government Facebook page for citizens to view.

Bridging the Community Gap will include a focus on our community’s efforts, through peaceful programs and initiatives, to reduce violence in our community by building relationships. Mayor Sherman Lea and Vice Mayor Joe Cobb, along with community members, will share information on how this work is being done in collaboration with the Safer Neighborhoods Working Group of the Task Force to Reduce Gun Violence, Total Action for Progress, and other community partners.

The event will also include music, stories of persons impacted by violence, community sharing of a Stop the Violence Pledge, a moment of silence and candle lighting and an interfaith prayer for peace.

In addition to this virtual event, citizens are encouraged to donate books (new or used), socks, gloves, or canned goods to benefit people in need, and can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Virginia Career Works, 3601 Thirlane Rd., Roanoke
• Lancelot Sports Complex, 1110 Vinyard Rd., Vinton
• Roanoke Higher Education Center, 108 N Jefferson St., Roanoke, Suites 513 and 509.

This event is made possible by these partners: Melrose/Rugby, Loudon/ Melrose, Hurt Park, RCPD, YouthHQ Goodwill, Roanoke City Council, Task Force to Reduce Gun Violence, City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Family Services of Roanoke Valley, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren Peace and Justice Committee, Central Church of the Brethren Race Education Team, Virginia Career Works Roanoke Center, TAP Project Discovery, and TAP Domestic Violence Services.