Everyday Kindnesses Outshine The Darkness

“I have found that it is the small everyday deed of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”

- Gandalf in the film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”

This quote resonates with me because it is what I regularly see happening while working at SPAN. It is the many small acts of ordinary people that enable SPAN to help 60 households a month with food and help more than 800 households last year avoid evictions and utility turn-offs.

I see glimpses of the darkness throughout my workday. As I move through the building, getting papers from the printer or greeting people at the door, I see SPAN’s volunteers working with our stressed clients. I see people struggle as it may be the first time they have needed to ask for help and they are trying to do the best they can to keep their family safe and fed.

The other day, a volunteer added extra peanut butter and jelly as they gathered food for a family temporarily living in a hotel. Shortly after, there was a message from a client who couldn’t make it to pick up her Thanksgiving food because she was in the hospital. Recently, I was loading food in a car while a client took a call with an update on her daughter’s cancer. And one of our community members who regularly donates food was unable to lift it due to a major shoulder injury. Even though our volunteers are helping, they also have their struggles, such as health issues themselves or their own family members. We all have our darknesses.

Overwhelmingly, my days are also filled with reminders of small acts of kindness from ordinary people and the smiles, relief and gratitude that those acts bring. Tears were replaced with a smile as a mother was handed a snack bag made by a student and decorated with the words “you matter.” She said her children would enjoy the microwave popcorn and other snacks in the bag while they were living in the hotel. Many individuals and groups donate money and food, and I see the impact that those small acts make.

This time of year, I am especially overcome with gratitude. Lately, our volunteers have been very busy both packing food to be distributed and receiving donations. I am aware how busy we have been, but the impact of all the individuals dropping off donations truly hit me the other day when I was giving a tour. As I was talking, I was staring at the same shelves that had been completely empty in the beginning of October. The difference was incredible! This community has stepped up for their neighbors in need.

We are thankful for so many in this community who make our work possible. Thank you to the many groups who have donated recently, including Rugby Hall, Moorings on the Magothy, Kinder Farm 4H, Bayside Bloomers and the SUN Friday Group. Thank you also to the Severn School and Chesapeake Montessori School, Team Caropreso, Sherwood-Logan, Annapolis Pediatrics and Bay Area Youth Group. I especially want to thank the individuals who contribute.

Since SPAN is a small organization, it is clear how individual contributions, small everyday acts, add up to make a difference. Thank you for the smiles, acts of kindness and contributions – these small acts make life good.

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. For more information, call 410-647-0889, email spanhelps@yahoo.com or visit www.spanhelps.org.