“Day of Giving” at The Doorways

Day of Caring provides a wonderful opportunity for TowneBank volunteers to support our community partners through acts of service. In September, we visited The Doorways in Richmond to roll up our sleeves and offer help. Area teammates, led by Gabriel White, senior relationship specialist at our Iron Bridge office, were eager to make a positive impact.  

The Doorways is a nonprofit hospitality house in downtown Richmond, dedicated to supporting patients and families who must travel for medical care. Since its founding in 1984 by volunteers from the Medical College of Virginia Auxiliary, it has grown into the second-largest healthcare hospitality house in the nation, providing over 50,000 nights of lodging each year to approximately 10,000 guests—including children, adults, and veterans. The facility’s 117 private rooms and welcoming common spaces provide a comfortable and supportive environment for those facing medical crises, regardless of their ability to pay. 

Half of the team prepared lunch in the kitchen while the other half cleaned the hallways and exterior of the building. Afterward, everyone gathered in the kitchen to serve lunch, where the cooking team prepared a delicious dish and homemade brownies for dessert, with ingredients from the pantry. Volunteer Rikki Dodson, a member of the TowneBank marketing team, shared, “Seeing the smiles on the faces of residents and staff members as we served lunch was a true highlight, and their gratitude was deeply moving. In just a few hours, our efforts helped create a cleaner and more welcoming environment for The Doorways’ guests and staff. The warm interactions we shared with residents and staff reminded me that small acts of service can make a lasting impact.” 

The Towne family visited The Doorways in downtown Richmond on the annual Day of Caring. 

Simeon Harris, senior vice president and commercial banker, and Rikki Dodson, marketing communications and sales support coordinator, joined the group at The Doorways to help with cleaning the facility.

The Doorways operates around the clock, relying on volunteers and donors to maintain a healing environment that truly feels like home. For many families, this support eases both financial and emotional stress during challenging times. To learn more, visit TheDoorways.org. It’s through support and engagement that we help strengthen our community and inspire continued acts of kindness.