Giving Thanks During A Pandemic

Virtually no family has been left untouched by COVID-19. Even if you have not contracted the virus, you have no doubt been affected in other ways. Perhaps a family member or friend is sick and you cannot visit him or her. Maybe you lost your job or had your hours cut back. Maybe you’re staying in isolation and having a hard time getting needed food or other supplies. Most likely you have experienced some degree of anxiety or depression caused by social seclusion.

If you are suffering any type of feelings of hopelessness or desperation, you are not alone; please reach out for help. There are agencies that are designed to assist you without any physical contact. Visit www.namiacc.org to get a list of resources.

Meanwhile, if you can manage to maintain good mental health through laughter, prayer, volunteer work or another constructive outlet, then you have discovered a valuable coping tool that will help you stay resilient. Please stay well, try to accept the circumstances you cannot control, find the humor in situations, and for goodness sakes, wear your mask!

For local families who are not able to get enough food to eat, pay their utilities, or pay their rent or prescription costs, SPAN is here to help. Please call 410-647-0889 between 10:00am and 1:00pm Monday through Thursday to see if you are eligible for food or financial assistance. In some cases, SPAN can even give assistance without you ever having to leave your home. We are committed to helping local families in need, and we have stayed open during the entire pandemic.

SPAN has been incredibly blessed with generous community members who have been keeping the donations coming in, so we can assist families to the same degree as always (or more). In September, Trish and Mike Davis matched donations up to $5,000. Recently St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Church and the Severn River Lions Club made large financial donations, and two SPAN volunteers each donated $5,000. Landmark Roofing has committed to donate a roof awning over SPAN’s side porch pickup area. They are also offering a $100 donation to SPAN for every customer who mentions Landmark’s Voice Values coupon and completes a new roof or siding job during November. Mike Hall of Severna Park Lanes in Severna Park and Greenway Bowl in Odenton is offering a free bowling game for every person who donates two items of nonperishable food to SPAN (up to four people).

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-12:45pm. 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!