Salem Baptist Hosts Bethlehem Walk, Community Donates to Pantries
Salem Baptist Church in Goochland County held a Bethlehem Walk from December 5 to December 7, 2025, presenting a living nativity and walk through holiday experience. The event combined volunteer run live scenes with family friendly activities and a canned goods collection to support local food pantries, underscoring the role of local institutions in community relief and civic engagement.
Salem Baptist Church in Goochland County staged its Bethlehem Walk over three evenings from December 5 to December 7, 2025. The event featured a community living nativity, volunteers performing as period characters, and family friendly activities designed to provide a reflective holiday experience while supporting local needs.
Organizers scheduled the walk for Thursday December 5 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, Friday December 6 from 4:00 to 9:00 PM, and Saturday December 7 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. Guests attending the evening sessions were asked to register ahead for a walk time window and the event page included parking instructions and site details to manage attendance flow and access. Visitors were also asked to bring canned goods and other non perishable donations to benefit local food pantries.
The Bethlehem Walk served multiple local functions. As a cultural and religious event, it provided seasonal programming and volunteer opportunities that brought residents together. As a charitable effort, it mobilized material support for food assistance organizations that serve Goochland County families. The combination of live performances and donation solicitation illustrates how faith based institutions can link community traditions with practical relief efforts.
For county officials and planners the event pointed to recurring policy considerations. Large community events at local churches affect parking demand and traffic patterns near hosting sites, and advance registration can help manage crowds. The donation drive highlighted the continuing need for coordination between nonprofit providers and community partners to address food insecurity in the county.
The Bethlehem Walk closed on Saturday evening, leaving organizers and volunteers to process donations and assess logistics for future events. Its blend of cultural programming and charitable collection reinforced the role of civic participation and local institutions in meeting community needs during the holiday season.
