Reasons To Be Thankful

If you have the power to make someone happy, do it. The world needs more of that.”

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During a recent Friendsgiving gathering, we shared some of what we are thankful for. You can probably guess some of the demographics of the group when coffee, drive-up orders, naps, the ability to exercise and search engines (for finding answers to questions such as how to get slime off a couch) were mentioned. In addition, common themes were health, friends and family.

I am so grateful for my health and for the people in my life. I am thankful for so many, from family and friends who are there when I need them and bring joy to my days, teachers and others who I have learned from both formally and informally, and the casual acquaintances with whom I may interact with only briefly. Isn’t life so much better when those brief interactions include smiles and kind words?

I see goodness everyday – one of the benefits of working at SPAN is that so many people in the community surround me with daily reminders of kindness. I see lots of examples of people taking time to help others, whether donating food or money, volunteering their time – our volunteers step up in so many ways and our clients are often caring for a neighbor or family member. Reflecting on my days, the people around me make me smile and make life better – the ones who hold the door, smile, say hello, take time to listen and offer to help.

This is a busy season for SPAN, both with the giving and receiving. Many groups have donated food: Our Lady of the Fields Church, KinderCare in Arnold, Anytime Fitness, the English department at Anne Arundel Community College, the Friday Morning SUN Networking Group and Orthodontists of Maryland, among others. Food collections from groups like these are what keep our shelves stocked.

Food can always be donated to our bins in the Severna Park Community Center and in Severna Park Library or directly at our building. A good focus for food donations this month is rice, potatoes and meat – canned tuna, chicken, ham and little sausages.

Thank you also to all in the community who contribute to our Holiday Caring program. We were able to provide over 100 families with food for a good Thanksgiving meal and soon will start Christmas distribution.

I am also thankful for good health. For many of SPAN’s clients, an injury or medical condition has thrown a wrench into their budget. Extra medical expenses and or a loss of work hours have stretched an already tight situation. Those who donate financially to SPAN help us help those who are facing evictions and utility turnoffs.

I am thankful for the people in my life. We don’t have to help each other, but it certainly makes life so much better. Thank you for helping us help our neighbors!

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!