SPAN – So Much More Than A Food Pantry!

Posted

By Ellen Kinsella
Director of Development, SPAN Inc.

When people talk about SPAN, they usually refer to it as a food pantry, which is not incorrect. However, SPAN does more than simply give food. We offer financial assistance with court-ordered evictions, utility cut-offs, prescriptions and medical bills. We even help pay for prescription eyeglasses!

When people ask us how they can help, they usually first think of donating food. While we always have a need for food, monetary donations are also helpful to aid with the aforementioned types of financial assistance we offer. And you can send money from your living room without having to go out in the cold to the grocery store! You can donate through PayPal or through our website. No amount is too small. And, of course, each donation is tax-deductible.

Some folks have mentioned concerns about making sure their money goes to those who truly need it. Most people we help are one-time clients who have found themselves in an emergency situation due to a job layoff, divorce, illness or other crisis, although we limit financial assistance to one time per year. We require a state-issued valid ID with an address matching the service requested, and we verify all assistance with the provider, and we have a cap on the amount of assistance. We also keep detailed files on each client. We value your donations, and we try to be the best stewards of your hard-earned money!

Keep your eyes open for upcoming events, including online auction baskets, a give-back day on April 5 at Chuck E. Cheese, and an exciting Broadway-style cabaret show on June 1 at the Woods Holy Grounds Youth Center, hosted by Severna Park’s own Laurette Hankins.

Follow us on Facebook, and visit our website at www.spanhelps.org.

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 from 10:00am-1:30pm. 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 the building.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here