A Time For Thanks

My desk at SPAN has the best view.

When I look up in one direction, I see the changing of the seasons on the trees outside the window. Currently, it looks like a paintbrush has touched the green tree, leaving just a dab of bright reds and orange. When I look in the other direction, I am blessed with a doorway to people either picking up or dropping off food throughout the day. I am blessed because each person who I see at that door fills my day with moments and reminders of gratitude. In the spirit of this Thanksgiving season, I want to share some of that with you.

On the day I am writing this column, we had a steady stream of people coming to get food. As our volunteers brought out boxes of food and checked on any specific needs, several times I heard clients say how thankful they were, and that they would be happy with anything we gave them.

I am often reminded of the woman who was happy to receive shampoo. She had been adding water to hers to make it last longer. Some of our clients have multiple crises and a lot on their plate. The day I wrote this column, when a cold front had just come through, and I was loading food in a client’s car, she told me how much the help with her heating oil meant. Her husband had just been diagnosed with cancer, and she also has health issues.

I want to pass along some of the thanks that I get to hear on a regular basis and that all of you make possible.

The cars pulling up to our porch are a mix of people bringing and picking up food. It is fun to see new people as well as familiar faces. We have people who make dropping off food at SPAN part of their routine, sometimes making it a family activity. I love seeing all the different parts of the community that contribute to helping others through SPAN, such as neighborhood groups and local businesses that include SPAN in their events.

In October, Severna Park Elementary School donated 575 boxes of macaroni and cheese! Severn School had its amazing spirit week collection and Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church collected lots of food and diapers.

In addition to our regular programs, the generosity of people like you helps with our Holiday Caring program. This program provides clients with holiday meals and Christmas gifts for children. As you know, many families are facing financial challenges due to inflation or other issues such as illness, an accident or job loss. These challenges can make it difficult to provide a holiday dinner or Christmas gifts for their children.

As a sponsor, you will be matched with a family and asked to purchase food and/or gifts for the family. Short on time? You can simply provide gift cards in lieu of food or gifts, or you can consider donating to SPAN to fund our year-round programs for low-income families. For more information, please email spanhelps@yahoo.com, or you check our website or social media. Thank you for your help. Together we are making a difference every day!

SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) is an independent nonprofit food pantry and emergency services provider that has been helping local families with eviction prevention, utility turnoffs, medical/prescription bills, and food since 1990. SPAN serves 14 zip codes in Anne Arundel County. SPAN is located behind Our Shepherd Lutheran Church at 400 Benfield Road in Severna Park. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00am-1:30pm. For more information, call 410-647-0889, email spanhelps@yahoo.com or visit www.spanhelps.org. Financial donations may be made through the website. Food donations may be dropped off 24/7 using the storage bin behind SPAN’s building. Please “like” SPAN on Facebook!