When Losing Your Arm Isn’t The Worst Part Of Your Day

Ellen Kinsella

“James” from Glen Burnie was driving home from his sister’s house when he was hit head-on by a drunken driver who had swerved into James’ lane. James’ 3-year-old daughter – in her car seat – was unhurt. James’ arm, though, was so badly mangled that it needed to be amputated below the elbow. However, that was not the worst thing to happen to him that day. His wife, who was in the front passenger seat, took the brunt of the impact and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

In shock, grief-stricken and overwhelmed with pain from his injury, James also realized he wouldn’t be able to go back to his job as an electrician, because he needed two hands.

James’ family members helped him out financially to the extent they were able, but with the loss of his job and his wife’s income, and escalating medical bills, it didn’t take long for him to get in debt, and by the time he came to SPAN, he had a court-ordered eviction. SPAN was able to pay some of his medical bills and also James’ landlord the maximum allowable assistance. Then we pointed him in the direction of several other assistance agencies. James already had a part-time job lined up by the time he came to SPAN, so we felt confident that he would get back on his feet.

While James’ story is extreme, the similarity between him and most of our other clients is that they just needed a little help to get them through a temporary crisis. And SPAN prides itself in having compassionate and helpful volunteers, because most of the clients we see are already having a really bad day.

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 needed to help clients with utility shutoffs, eviction prevention and medical bills. You can donate through PayPal (spanhelps@yahoo.com) or through our website (www.spanhelps.org). No amount is too small. And, of course, your donation is tax-deductible.

Some folks have mentioned concerns about making sure their money goes to those who truly need it. We never give money directly to clients, only to their service providers or landlords after thorough verification. We require a state-issued valid ID with an address matching the service requested, and we have a cap on the amount of assistance. We also keep detailed files on each client. We value your donations, and try to be the best stewards of your hard-earned money!

Keep your eyes open for upcoming events, including a give-back day on April 5 at the Glen Burnie Chuck E. Cheese, and an exciting Broadway-style cabaret show on June 1 at the Woods Holy Grounds Youth Center, featuring Severna Park’s own Laurette Hankins-O’Connell. Also be sure to visit our booth at the Shop Local Fun Fiesta on May 4 at Park Plaza.

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 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.