About

Dunbar Community Partners is a local nonprofit organization based in Dunbar, West Virginia, has been serving the Kanawha Valley with dedication since its founding in 2017. What began as a grassroots initiative to support local families and students in need has grown into a robust community effort driven by volunteers, compassion, and a shared mission to make a difference.

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The organization was launched with a focus on helping low-income families in the Dunbar area. One of our earliest and most impactful initiatives was a food program targeting students at Dunbar Middle School. Starting with 25 food bags per weekend, the program now distributes more than 45 each week. The goal has always been clear: to ensure no child goes hungry, particularly over weekends and school breaks when school-provided meals are unavailable.

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Each food bag is thoughtfully prepared to include two breakfast items, two lunch items, snacks, and drinks. Special care is taken to include kid-friendly items like pudding cups and even spicy Taki chips. During long weekends or school holidays, extra food is added to meet extended needs.

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Beyond food distribution, Dunbar Community Partners also provides emergency food boxes for families and elderly residents in crisis, as well as holiday and summer food packages. It's not uncommon to find volunteers from the organization feeding sports teams before their games or helping out with seasonal needs.

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With support from over 20 volunteers and backing from local organizations, Dunbar Community Partners has grown into a hub of community engagement. Our events aim not only to meet immediate needs but also to foster unity and goodwill among neighbors.

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The group also emphasizes youth involvement and leadership. A shining example is young Tinsley, president of the Junior Honor Society. Inspired by her experience organizing a Christmas toy drive, Tinsley is now leading efforts for the group’s Easter event—the largest of the year. She and her peers are collecting toys for children whose parents may not be able to afford Easter gifts. Donations are sorted into pre-made baskets, or children can select individual toys of their choice.

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Tinsley's philosophy sums up the spirit of Dunbar Community Partners:

 

“I think it’s important to make a difference. And I don’t think kids should be judged whether they have the best toys, or the coolest toys, or the most expensive ones.”

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Dunbar Community Partners continues to serve as a vital support system for the Dunbar community, offering not only nourishment but also a sense of belonging and hope. Through consistent volunteer efforts, student leadership, and thoughtful programming, this organization exemplifies how local heroes can truly feed both body and spirit.