One of Episcopal Relief and Development’s most successful programs in their “Gifts for Life,” that allows supporters to purchase farm animals and tools, clean wells, mosquito netting, etc. for people in the third world to fight disease and to establish family businesses to support themselves.  Manakin has in recent years sent tens of thousands of dollars to ERD for “Gifts for Life” and in response to appeals for assistance after tsunamis, floods, hurricanes and in places of severe drought.

Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church and an independent 501(c)(3) organization. The agency takes its mandate from Jesus’ words in Matthew 25: 37-40:

“Lord, when was it that
We saw you hungry and gave you food?
We saw you thirsty and gave you something to drink?
We saw you a stranger and welcomed you?
We saw you sick and took care of you?
We saw you in prison and visited you?
‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ ”

Episcopal Relief & Development works with more than 3 million people annually in 40 countries, through programs in four core areas.  The organization partners with local churches and organizations throughout the 38 provinces of the Anglican Communion, as well as ecumenically. Episcopal Relief & Development empowers local communities to find lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger, disaster, and preventable diseases, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Episcopal Relief & Development’s four core areas are:

  • Alleviating Hunger and Improving the Food Supply
  • Creating Economic Opportunities and Strengthening Communities
  • Promoting Health and Fighting Disease
  • Responding to Disasters and Rebuilding Communities

For more information, see ERD’s page on the Episcopal Church’s website.