What’s A Mother To Do?

“Karen” came to SPAN as a last resort to keep her electricity from being turned off. It was right before the Thanksgiving holiday, and she had promised her two young children a home-cooked turkey dinner, followed by game night in front of the fireplace. Karen told us she hated seeking assistance, but since she had been undergoing chemotherapy treatments, she had to cut back her hours at work and wasn’t able to make her whole BG&E payment. She explained that her mother had recently died, and she had no other family members to help her.

All of our clients have unique stories, but they have one thing in common: an emergency left them with no other choice but to seek assistance. Even through her tears, Karen expressed gratitude for the help we gave her. She was particularly appreciative of the respect and kindness she was shown by SPAN’s volunteers, and vowed that one day when she got back on her feet, she would “pay it forward” to pay us back.

This time of year is particularly stressful for families who are having trouble making ends meet, because finding extra money for holiday meals and Christmas gifts seems almost impossible. That is why SPAN’s Holiday Caring program has been a blessing for local families in need. We have matched all of our client children with donors to provide Christmas gifts, but we are still in need of a few more meal baskets. If you’re interested in donating a holiday meal, please email us at spanhelps@yahoo.com for more information.

SPAN’s biggest fundraiser, the Turkey Trot 5K/1M at Kinder Park on November 16, was our most successful race yet, netting over $22,000! To see photos, visit our website at www.spanhelps.org. A huge thanks to all the generous local businesses and families who participated in the race, sponsored, donated food and donated prizes (see the full listing on our website at www.spanhelps.org). Thanks to the following sponsors: SPAN volunteers (over $3,000); Alexander Animal Hospital; Moscker Insurance Agency- Assured Partners of Maryland; Severna Park United Methodist Church; Severn Bank; Severna Park Automotive; Honeybaked Ham of Severna Park; Chick-fil-A of Severna Park; Marathon Real Estate; Long & Foster Severna Park – Tim Blanchfield; RockWell Fitness; The Matt Wyble Team – Century 21 New Millennium; First County Mortgage SOMD; Julie Antinucci and family; Edward Jones-Financial Advisor Alexis P. Lecouras; Chesapeake Hearing Centers; Fence & Deck Connection Inc.; The Bank of Glen Burnie; Savvy Consignment; Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi; Dr. Brian Valle, DDS; Severna Park McDonald’s; Russell, Deasey, Wright & Zitofsky, DDS; Wright Orthodontics; Dr. Paul Kinsey, DDS; Café Mezzanotte; Victor and Kathleen Simon; Squisito Pizza and Pasta; Environmental Automotive; Broadneck Pharmacy; Millersville Auto Body; Lighthouse Car Wash; Clement Hardware; Charter Title; McCarl Dentistry; and Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery.

SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) is a faith-based nonprofit food pantry and emergency services provider that has been helping local families with eviction prevention, utility turnoffs, prescription needs and food since 1990. SPAN serves Severna Park, Millersville, Arnold, Broadneck and other surrounding areas. SPAN is located behind Our Shepherd Lutheran Church at 400 Benfield Road. Hours are Monday through Thursday 10:00am-1:30pm. For more information, call 410-647-0889, email spanhelps@yahoo.com, follow SPAN on Facebook, 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 the building.