KEEPING FAMILIES WARM ONE VOLUNTEER AT A TIME
How we started
Shawn and Kelley Metcalf had a vision 20 years ago, to help those who could afford to heat their homes by supplying quality firewood free of charge. What started as a small idea quickly turned into the desire to meet the needs of all of those in our community and the surrounding counties.
With the help of many volunteers, Start A Spark of Central Virginia provides quality firewood to families that are struggling to pay for heat in the winter.
We aim to bring the community closer together by serving one another through our firewood load and delivery events. These provide opportunities for volunteers to load and deliver to those in need.
We have helped hundreds of families, spreading over 6 counties.
Along with the help of sponsers we have a combined 20 years of service
“Delivering to needy families and seeing what impact this charity makes on the community is very moving. The hard work is more than worth it, knowing families will be warm and comfortable during difficult times.”
— Tracey Justus
“The sense of accomplishment I got after busting wood for those in need was so great. When I was able to make wood deliveries, that was a feeling like nothing else. Seeing the appreciation on the faces of those people we are helping filled my heart and soul.”
— Josie Sandridge
Start a Spark in the news
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National Champs UVA Lacrosse team serves with Start a Spark
UVA Lacrosse team serves with Start a Spark during Covid
“I think I’ve found this is really what resonates for me,” says Tiffany, who first started splitting wood as a kid growing up on a 250-acre ranch in rural central New York state. “I show up. I cut firewood. I help split the firewood, and I made a couple of deliveries. … Man, it feels really good.” There’s a satisfaction in the physical accomplishment of slicing through stacks of wood and helping to keep others warm, he says. And at a time when he felt powerless, with games and practices on hold, it gave him purpose. “There’s only so much reward that can come from the Zoom calls while I’m standing in my kitchen,” Tiffany says. “This has been fruitful for emotional empowerment.”
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Fluvanna Review: Splitting Firewood for Charity
Fluvanna Review: Splitting Firewood for Charity
For more than 10 years the Metcalfs, who own Metcalf Tree and Landscaping Service, have held an October wood-splitting day at their home on Rt. 616 in Fluvanna. They then deliver the firewood to families in need.