Making Summer Memories Through Helping Neighbors In Need

Summer memories often include vacations, cookouts, beach days, family gatherings and a slower pace of life. As we head into August, I’ve also been reminded of something else that makes summer special: the many ways people in our community take time to help others.

Recently, I watched a group carrying bags of food walk up to SPAN. I immediately thought of “Camp Gigi,” a tradition where one grandmother, as part of the family weeklong camp, takes her grandchildren shopping to buy food for SPAN. Sure enough, it was them — this year with another cousin old enough to join. It’s a simple tradition that’s teaching generosity to the next generation.

In July, I visited Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s Vacation Bible School. In our discussion about food insecurity, we were talking about how everyone needs help at times and everyone can help in some ways. The children gave great examples, such as cards they had made for others, and proved how this concept is true no matter one’s age.

Young people make a lasting impact at SPAN in many ways. A group of teens started our gluten-free and allergy-friendly pantry shelf, which continues to help families who, in addition to not having enough food, have special dietary needs. More than once, clients have taken the time to tell us how much it means to receive handmade greeting cards along with their food. Throughout the year, teens donate an amazing amount of food through community drives, such as S(o)UPER Bowl food drive, Scouting for Food, their school, neighborhood or a drive they organize themselves.

None of SPAN’s work would be possible without the generosity of our community. Together, volunteers, businesses, churches, schools, civic organizations, and neighborhoods help us provide food and emergency assistance to about 4,000 people each year. Thank you!

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this year, we’re inviting the community to join SPAN’s 250 Challenge. Collect 250 food items, donate $250, raise $2,500, or find another creative way to support neighbors facing food insecurity or financial emergencies. Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church is already working toward raising $2,500 this summer, and two volunteers have each donated $250 in honor of America’s birthday. We look forward to celebrating the groups that join this challenge.

One of the wonderful benefits of summer is the fresh produce we receive to share with the families we serve. Community members contribute surplus vegetables from their gardens. Diehl’s Produce continues its generous “Round Up for SPAN” program, allowing customers to round up their purchases to provide grocery gift cards for our clients. We are also thankful for our partnership with Langton Green Community Farm, which donates fresh vegetables weekly.

For many families in our community, summer is one of the hardest times of the year. Children are home from school, grocery bills rise, and household budgets are stretched even further. At the same time, summer is traditionally SPAN’s slowest season for food and financial donations. While donations often decline, the need does not.

Helping others doesn’t have to be complicated. Small acts of kindness — sharing vegetables from your garden, volunteering, organizing a food drive, donating money, or simply adding a few extra items to your shopping cart — can make a lasting difference. As you enjoy the rest of summer, we hope you’ll create one more meaningful memory by helping a neighbor in need.