Non-Profit Knows How to Give Back

By John Singleton
The talent and generosity of Severna Park residents is documented on a regular basis in the Severna Park Voice. During the Christmas season those qualities are magnified by the faith of individuals who allow God to guide them as they perform incredible works of goodness.

The Walk the Walk Foundation (WTWF) was founded by David and Kim Mitchell of Severna Park in 2005 to help children in need. The name of the foundation is based on the Scripture verse: Joshua 22:5, “Love the Lord your God and walk in his ways.”
Each year WTWF delivers food, clothing, and Christmas gifts to children in West Virginia and Chestertown, MD. Last December the Mitchells, with the help of over 100 volunteers, delivered tractor-trailers full of Christmas gifts to Mercer County, WV. It’s a journey that began as the ‘Walk of Christmas’ in 2004 when the Mitchells helped over 30 families and over 60 children celebrate Christmas. In 2010 the Walk the Walk Foundation will assist over 1,400 children.
“David and I set out to teach our own kids what the ‘walk’ looked like – by helping kids in need,” explained Kim Mitchell. “We feel that we’ve been blessed and we want to share that blessing with others. Most importantly we want to teach our kids they have a responsibility to give back.”
On Saturday, November 27, a group of Severna Park teenagers gathered at Dave and Kim Mitchell’s home to wrap presents, sort gifts and pack Bibles in preparation for the West Virginia trip, which is scheduled for December 11 and the Chestertown trip on December 13.
“I’m very happy to be a part of the Mitchell’s Walk the Walk Foundation,” said Connor McGrath, a ninth grader at Archbishop Spalding. “I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping people who are less fortunate.”
Each year when the truck rolls up to Maple View Church of Christ in Bluefield, WV, the images are unforgettable for Kim Mitchell. She recalls the tears of single moms who realize that Christmas is actually going to happen for their children. She thinks of the three girls who each received their own bed - the only thing they really wanted, and the pregnant teen who lived with her grandparents and received a swing, stroller and crib for her new baby.
WTWF is comprised of a close-knit community of volunteers. Earlier this year, however, WTWF was struck by sadness. Jay and Melba Taylor have delivered gifts at Christmas for WTWF since its inception. Jay Taylor had worked for David Mitchell at E. Stewart Mitchell for over 28 years and was one of the most decorated truck drivers in Mitchell’s history, logging more than three million miles without a violation or citation.
But it was Melba, who chose to ride long hours beside her husband, who lost a long battle with cancer on January 10, 2010. One week later, Jay, heartbroken, died of cardiac arrest and joined Melba. They had been married for 62 years.
“We have such an incredibly generous and loving community, like Jay and Melba, who are sorely missed. Over the last five years we have been utterly humbled by all the giving and support,” summarized Kim Mitchell.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Walk the Walk Foundation, please visit www.wtwf.org or contact Kim Mitchell at kimm@wtwf.org.