Fall Newsletter

Fall(ing) into Gratitude with SML Good Neighbors

Dear Good Neighbors,

As we reflect on another year of growth and gratitude, we’re reminded how deeply our

community’s generosity impacts local children and families. From joyful summer days filled with learning and laughter to a fall season rich in creativity and connection, your support continues to make it all possible. 

We’re thrilled to announce that three exciting opportunities launched on November 1st!

SML Gives 2026 Nonprofit Application Open!

Local nonprofits can now apply to participate in next year’s regional day of giving at smlgives.org. Together, we’ll continue building a stronger, more connected community.

Nancy Horton Scholarship Application Open!

SML Good Neighbors’ Nancy Horton Scholarship, benefiting students who have participated in SML Good Neighbors’ programs and who wish to further their education after high school by attending a post-secondary educational institution (i.e., community college, trade school, traditional college, or university). Learn more and apply at smlgoodneighbors.org/programs.

Summer Teaching Staff Internship Applications Open!

College students who love working with children, want hands-on experience in education, and are looking for a meaningful summer, this one’s for you! Details and application are available at smlgoodneighbors.org/programs.

Program Recap!

2025 Summer Enrichment Day Camps

This summer, SML Good Neighbors served 296 students across Bedford and Franklin Counties through our free Summer Enrichment Day Camps. Students received academic support, nutritious meals, and creative enrichment activities that encouraged curiosity and confidence.

Reading Growth: 100% of students who completed both pre- and post-assessments maintained or improved their reading levels. Student Voices: Surveys showed increased enjoyment of reading and more students reporting that they read for fun at home. Gratitude: Family feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and our college interns shared meaningful reflections on their experience as teachers and mentors.

Summer Nutrition

Healthy minds need healthy bodies — and thanks to your support, our students received over 12,000 meals this summer!

• Weekend Bags: About 900 bags distributed, totaling 5,400 meals.

• Breakfast: About 2,100 meals served.

• Lunch: About 2,400 meals served.

• Snacks: About 2,800 snacks provided.

• Books: Over 1,000 books given to children to take home and keep.

  
  

Your generosity helped ensure that every child had the nutrition, encouragement, and resources needed for a summer filled with learning and joy.

Student Enrichment in the Arts (S.E.A.)

This fall, our S.E.A. program reached students at Moneta, Sontag, and Glade Hill Elementary Schools, offering creative after-school enrichment in the arts. The final showcase for this semester will take place on November 7th at Glade Hill, where families will gather to celebrate their students’ hard work and creativity. The spring S.E.A. schedule will be available in January!

Recent events that supported SML Good Neighbors!

6th Annual Battle of the Bands

Held on August 24th at Mango’s Bar & Grill, this year’s event raised $3,198.50 to support local children! Congratulations to Phat Anchovies (Overall Winner), LouD (Runner-Up), and The Brent Monster Band (People’s Choice). We’re deeply grateful to all participating bands, sponsors, and the amazing audience who made this event such a success.

The Coves at SML – Neighbors in Need Concert Series

We’re also thankful to The Coves community for selecting SML Good Neighbors as one of their supported charities this season. Their generosity continues to uplift local programs that make a difference.

Hook, Lines & Singers' Singer Songwriter Festival and SML Wine Festival were also huge hits this year, and SML Good Neighbors was also honored to be a beneficiary.

The Smith Mountain Lake Antique and Classic Boat Society hosted its 33rd Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show. SML Good Neighbors is one of the benefiting charities and attended along with the Henry Fork Center to share information with attendees about their missions.

SML Charity Home Tour

We were honored to host the beautiful McCarry home during this year’s Home Tour and look forward to celebrating at the wrap-up reception on November 9th.

Honored by the Library of Congress

We are delighted to share that SML Good Neighbors received recognition through the 2025 Library of Congress Literacy Awards program. This national recognition celebrates organizations advancing literacy around the world, and it’s all possible because of your support. To learn more about the Library of Congress Literacy Words, you can read the press release here.

With Gratitude

From camp classrooms to community concerts, every success story begins with you. Thank you for believing in our mission, supporting our programs, and helping local children grow into lifelong learners and compassionate leaders.

In love and service,

Lisa Lietz

Executive Director

SML Good Neighbors, Inc.