Melody Holly of 112 White Pine Drive used the public‑comment period to reintroduce Sunshine and Rainbows, a grassroots Stoneville initiative that connects residents to donations and local services.

Holly said a donation drive run Dec. 1–15 yielded "about 40 coats, combination of hoodies, sweaters, sweatshirts," roughly "25 to 30 scarves, blankets, gloves" and "around 25 baskets" of food items ready for distribution. She said the group has begun outreach to Stoneville Elementary and social services to identify families in need and is working toward formal nonprofit status.

Holly announced an upcoming Bridge to Better Expo (planned for May 30, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) intended as a one‑stop event to bring nonprofits, social services, Rockingham Community College and others together for resource access and referrals. She asked council members and any organizations with connections to services to contact her so the group can build partnerships and secure a venue for donations and upcoming events.

Why it matters: The initiative addresses local gaps in resource awareness and distribution and ties into the council’s broader interest in community services in Rockingham County. Holly said the effort is meant to complement, not replace, existing programs.

What the council said: Council members asked about the initiative’s current nonprofit status, storage and how residents can apply for assistance; Holly said she is operating from her home while pursuing formal nonprofit registration and is building an online nomination form/QR code intake. Staff offered to share town contact numbers and possible venue leads.