Individual Actions Make A Collective Difference

There is an old proverb that says, “If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito.”

Think of a relentless mosquito flying around when you are trying to sleep. I am one of those people who will get covered with mosquito bites, while friends next to me will not be bitten at all. Whether it is my blood type, some other scent or just bad luck, I connect well with this quote. I realize that little things can make a big difference, and we all have the power to make an impact.

I see that fact in action regularly at SPAN. Our shelves are the emptiest they have been in many years. It is likely a buildup of many reasons over the last few years. Even though our shelves are noticeably emptier, I am confident this community will provide.

Last month, I shared about the clients we help. That assistance is possible because of community members who contribute food, money and time. Sometimes people drop off a full car of food donations; more often it is individuals with a bag or two of groceries. Some may wonder if their bag makes a difference – it most certainly does!

Our shelves are not filled by delivery trucks unloading boxes, but by individuals dropping off bags. Although we may wonder sometimes if our individual donations can be felt, just remember the impact a little mosquito can make on something much larger. Our individual actions can be felt and together add up.

Last week, two siblings, members of Boy Scout Troop 918 and Girl Scout Troop 10178, delivered their troops’ Scouting for Food collections. All of the local scout troops are an amazing help and one of the wonderful ways youth contribute. These troops’ timing was a nice follow up to the larger Scouting for Food drive in early spring and a good way to start the summer, our slower season for donations.

Some people add extra items to their shopping carts when doing their routine shopping and some people make special shopping trips for SPAN whether online or in person. One very generous donor said that he grew up dirt poor and now is happy to contribute. His family compares a shopping trip for others to the idea of giving up a concert or night out.

I love hearing creative stories when people drop off donations. Tracy Prettyman realized the fun coincidence that her date to host the monthly BUNCO game fell on what would have been her father’s 100th birthday. John Mesich was not only Prettyman’s father, but he had been a volunteer at SPAN for many years. She honored his memory by making the evening a celebration and invited friends to bring donations for SPAN.

Our most wanted items include:

• Canned meat and fish
  
  
• Peanut butter and jelly
  
  
• Hamburger Helper and Tuna Helper
  
  
• Instant potatoes
  
  
• Breakfast items: pancake mix, syrup, oatmeal, cereal, coffee and tea
  
  
• Pasta, sauce and other canned tomato products
  
  
• Snacks: nuts, bars, crackers and cookies
  
  
• Vegetables – cans, fresh or frozen
  
  
• Basic toiletries: shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, soap
  
  
• Basic cleaning products: paper towels, laundry detergent, dish soap
  
  

The effect of small things can be felt and add up. Together we are doing amazing things! Together this community keeps our shelves filled and allows us to provide food for so many. Thank you!

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!