Virginia Scales has been working for the cause of homelessness and with the Community Crossroads Center for over 23 years. Each year, Virginia and fellow residents of the Cypress Glen Retirement Community put on Paper Drives at their apartment complex. At these drives people can donate such necessary items as toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins.During a recent interview, Virginia noted that the first time she organized a Paper Drive, she only collected enough items to fill her car. Now, they need a whole van to bring the products to the CCC. A Greenville, NC native, Virginia attended East Carolina Teachers College so the community has always been near and dear to her heart.Virgina also sells the Honor Card for the CCC, a holiday fundraising drive in which people purchase commemorative cards and donate the proceeds to the Center.Since Virginia started contributing to the CCC many incredible changes have taken place:

• More space for families to be together at the shelter has been created
• The kitchen, dining area, living quarters, and bathrooms have been renovated
• The capacity of the Center to accommodate residents has been expanded
• The Center has resources to help residents with mental health and drug problems along with helping them get jobs
• The availability of transportation for the residents to get to school and work has increased

Virginia is an inspiration to all who continues to put the cause of homelessness first. She is always finding ways to give back to those who have little. During her interview, she urged others to realize how blessed we are and to work to give back in any way we can.The Community Crossroads Center is always in need of volunteers and donations. If you are as inspired by donors like Virginia as we are, please come out and help.