Lanterns of Hope WV

02/19/2026

Quick update - Lanterns of Hope is currently on pause while I focus on some significant personal matters.

Please feel free to send a DM if you need to reach me, but I will not be posting regularly in the new few months.

The mission behind Lanterns remains important to me, and I hope to be able to reengage here a bit later this year.

Send a message to learn more

01/30/2026

If you need to get out of the cold or see someone who does, they can go to the Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission. Don't forget that they also serve 3 meals a day, every single day, to anyone who needs a hot meal.

This Cold Is Serious—Our Response Is Too

When temperatures plunge, the risk to our most vulnerable neighbors rises fast.

That’s why the Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission is stepping up as a cold weather warming center—offering warmth, safety, and compassion when it’s needed most.

Thank you for helping us meet this urgent need.

❤️ murmwv.org

01/29/2026

**ALL GONE per the recuse mission. **

If any of you are near Hagerstown and in need of food or know someone who is, please pass this along ASAP. The Hope Center at Hagerstown Rescue Mission

‼ ALL OF THE BOXES HAVE BEEN HANDED OUT‼
Due to the large number of early arrivals and resulting traffic congestion on surrounding streets, we decided to open the gates earlier and distribute the boxes. We are grateful to have helped as many as we could.

EDIT: We wanted to clarify a few questions some may have! The boxes are first come first serve basis. Unfortunately we do not have the resources to do deliveries, but someone else can pick up on your behalf. Unfortunately you cannot go through the boxes, whatever you are unable to eat you can pass along to another friend. The area will be open until 3:00 or until we run out.

Due to the snow, a HelloFresh delivery truck wasn’t able to complete its route. Instead of letting the food go to waste, they generously donated all 22 pallets, and we’re excited to share it with our community! 🥕🥦

If you or someone you know would like a box, stop by 128 N Prospect St. and pick some up! The gate will open tomorrow morning at 8:30 am.

01/27/2026

Storm Resource Update

I haven’t posted a pinned resource list because no one has reached out offering free assistance for snow removal or other storm-related to those who truly need assistance and lack the funds to hire someone.

If anyone is willing and able to offer free help to seniors, veterans, or disabled neighbors who still need it, please message this page and I’ll share your information as outlined in the original post.

Send a message to learn more

01/24/2026

❄️ Community Resource Call – Upcoming Storm ❄️

With a potentially significant storm approaching, Lanterns of Hope WV is compiling a pinned resource list of individuals who are voluntarily offering help to seniors, veterans, and disabled neighbors during and immediately after the storm.

This may include:
- Free snow removal
- Meal or food support
- Grocery or essential supply drop-offs
- Wellness check-ins
- Other practical, non-transport assistance

For this storm-related effort only, and due to potential safety risks, Lanterns of Hope WV’s role is limited to sharing a list of available community resources. We will NOT be coordinating, assigning, scheduling, supervising, or guaranteeing services for this effort. All communication and arrangements will take place directly between the person offering help and the person requesting it.

If you are offering assistance and would like to be included on the pinned resource list, please message this page with:

- What you’re offering
- Your general availability
- Your preferred contact method

**For safety reasons, ride or transportation offers will not be listed.**

Thank you for helping ensure neighbors aren’t facing this storm alone. ❤️

01/23/2026

❄️ Severe winter weather is right around the corner here in the Eastern Panhandle. Please stay safe.

Both during the storm and after it passes, please take a moment to check on your neighbors - especially older folks and those who may have health or mobility challenges.

If you’re able-bodied, consider assisting your vulnerable neighbors by clearing snow from walkways and driveways so they can get out if there’s an emergency. Many elderly and people on fixed incomes won’t hire help and may attempt it themselves despite the risks to their health and safety. A little kindness can go a long way.

Let’s keep looking out for one another. ❤️

01/01/2026

12/29/2025

I apologize for the lack of posts in the past few days. I haven't been feeling well. If you've reached out and haven't gotten a response, I just haven't had the energy to check messages. Hopefully, I'll be back to posting and messaging people soon!

Send a message to learn more

12/26/2025

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones, and that you received everything you asked “Santa” for!

This time of year, many people end up with gift cards they know they’ll never use, often from a well-meaning relative who wanted to send something thoughtful but didn’t quite hit the mark. If you received a gift card that would otherwise sit in a drawer because it’s not your taste or for a place you shop, Lanterns is accepting unused gift cards to pass along to local veterans and seniors in need.

Local and national store gift cards are both helpful, and even small denominations can make someone's day (a $5 coffee or fast-food card can mean a small treat to someone who needs it.) Smaller cards are often added to gift bags for things like birthdays or anniversaries.

We are only accepting unused gift cards, which will be distributed directly or through a trusted partner agency. They are never resold. If you’d like to pass one along to a member of the community who could truly use it, please DM me.

12/24/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas 🕯️

Wishing you a day filled with warmth, laughter, and special moments spent with loved ones.