Love INC SAW is a ministry serving Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro. Despite the name, the “INC” in Love INC does not refer to incorporation. Instead, it stands for Love In the Name of Christ. The organization is part of a national movement focused on bringing churches together to serve local communities in meaningful, coordinated ways.

The SAW affiliate launched on October 29, 2012, and now partners with more than 50 churches across the region.

“We’ve just been very blessed,” Executive Director Debbie Ramsey said. “Our goal is to serve our neighbors—that’s what we call the people we help.”

Who Love INC Serves

Love INC supports individuals and families facing a wide range of challenges. The ministry does not provide financial assistance, but it does respond to requests for items such as:

  • Furniture
  • Appliances
  • Household goods
  • Kitchenware
  • Other essential home items

Many neighbors contacting the ministry are transitioning out of homelessness or moving into new housing after hardship. Love INC also offers “Change Your Life” classes, which address spiritual, relational, and practical aspects of personal growth. Interest in these classes often spreads by word of mouth from neighbors who’ve benefited.

“We’re all neighbors,” Ramsey said. “Some of us may be a little further ahead in finances or relationships, but we’re all walking through life together.”

Mission and Purpose

A key part of Love INC’s mission is providing a hand up—support that empowers individuals rather than creating dependency.

“The door opens through charitable compassion,” Ramsey explained. “Someone may call needing a sofa, but we want to know the full picture—how they got to this place, who’s in their support system, and how we can walk alongside them.”

The organization focuses heavily on relationship-building. Volunteers from partner churches work directly with neighbors, helping them set goals, build confidence, and move forward.

Donation Center and Thrift Stores

Love INC relies on community donations to meet the needs of neighbors. At the Donation Center, located at 123 Tinkling Spring Road in Fishersville, volunteers sort all incoming items. The best donations are reserved for neighbors; the rest are sold in the organization’s thrift stores to help support the ministry.

The three thrift store locations are:

  • Fishersville: 2296 Jefferson Highway (next to the Love INC offices)
  • Stuarts Draft: Beside the post office
  • Waynesboro: 1317 West Broad Street — the newest location, chosen because many neighbors served live nearby

While the stores do not fully fund the ministry, they play an important role in both revenue and community engagement. “Everyone has different gifts and talents,” Ramsey noted. “The stores are a great place for the church to come out of its walls and serve.”

The First Ever Affordable Christmas Market

A long-standing dream of the ministry is becoming reality this year: the Affordable Christmas Market. Love INC invited 27 families—those who have invested in or graduated from the organization’s classes—to shop for Christmas gifts at 10–15% of retail prices.

The event provides opportunities for families to take photos, for children to create handmade gifts, and for neighbors to enjoy a dignified, debt-free holiday shopping experience.

“We want them to choose gifts for their children with dignity,” Ramsey said.

Upcoming Benefit Concerts

Two December concerts will benefit Love INC:

Waynesboro Choral Society Benefit Concert

  • December 7, 7:00 PM
  • Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, 1304 Red Top Orchard Road, Waynesboro
  • Proceeds shared with Embrace

Melodies for Love — Stanton Church of the Brethren & Community Choir

  • December 16, 7:00 PM
  • Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, 30 Tinkling Spring Drive, Fishersville
  • Prelude begins at 6:30 PM

The community is invited to attend and support the ministry.

How to Give or Get Involved

  • Website: loveincsaw.org
    • Information on volunteering
    • Assistance request forms
    • Online donations
  • Mail-in donations:
    Love INC
    PO Box 1003
    Fishersville, VA 22939
  • Physical donations:
    Drop off household goods and furniture at the Donation Center:
    123 Tinkling Spring Road, Fishersville