It Costs Nothing To Be Kind

Michele Sabean

Director of Development, SPAN Inc.

After several weeks out on medical leave, what struck me most upon returning wasn’t what had changed — it was what had continued. I came back to stories of generosity and saw it in action through SPAN’s volunteers and clients, in both their words and the time they give to help others.

“You can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!"
- Anne Frank

Here are some examples of the generosity of the community. Members of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church donated 120 bags of food, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items during Lent! Our Lady of the Fields Catholic Church continued its annual tradition of providing Easter dinner baskets and grocery gift cards to provide holiday dinners for our clients. St. Martins-in-the-Field Episcopal Church once again donated Easter baskets for children. Members of those churches, along with other individuals’ contributions, made Easter a little brighter for many of our clients.

In addition to the Easter donations, other individuals, businesses, civic groups and churches keep stepping up to make SPAN’s work possible. Team Caropreso at Keller Williams once again brought their truck filled with food donations, Chartwell Garden Club makes donating to SPAN a regular part of its meetings, and Severna Park Health Association contributed $5,000! These are just a few examples of the contributions, both large and small, that help SPAN continue to help our neighbors in need.

My first days back, I also noticed the quieter moments — volunteers supporting one another, kind words shared, and a client who, after receiving help during a crisis, is now trying to find a way to pay it forward.

I reflected on the many individuals who, despite working full-time, still find ways to contribute time to our special events and initiatives.

Everyone and anyone can help. It costs nothing to be kind.

I’m reminded of this when young people ask how they can serve. You don’t need to be a certain age to help others. I love seeing examples like Rhett and Peter, two teens who have helped sort and move food at our large food drives and then have continued to help in other ways such as doing a pasta drive and making birthday bags.

One of the projects for teens that truly costs nothing and can be done at any time is making cards with words of inspiration. One client, who received a note of encouragement, took the time to call and let us know how much it meant to her. A kind word, a thoughtful note, or even a few minutes of effort can brighten someone’s day more than we realize.

During my recovery at home, I experienced the same kindness from friends sending cards and food and coming by to visit. These gestures made a difference. It’s easy to think that helping requires grand gestures. But often, it’s the quiet, consistent acts of kindness that matter most.

As I settle back into my routine, I carry with me a renewed appreciation for the kindness that surrounds us every day. It’s a reminder worth sharing: no matter who you are or where you are, you always have something to give. And sometimes, that something is exactly what someone else needs.

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.