Bringing Light Through Everyday Interactions

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” – James Matthew Barrie

Pulling into my driveway, after a set of days above freezing temperatures, I realize that the snow tunnels my kids built the first week of the year are still standing and lasted the full month of January. This year started off with freezing temperatures, keeping the snow and ice with us longer than usual. During the coldest and darkest days of the year, many people are feeling a lot of stress.

When the world around us seems chaotic, what we can control is ourselves and how we react. When our children are having a meltdown, the traffic is ground to a halt, we hear bad news, or life throws a lot of uncertainties at us – take comfort in the power that we each have in how we react and know we can bring light to others in our small, everyday interactions.

In our words and in our actions, we can bring light to the dark days. The words we use and the kindness we share has the power to make a difference for others. Let someone know they made you smile. Acknowledge the cashier who’s helping you and genuinely ask them how they are doing. Share the compliment, make someone smile, lend a hand. We all – not just the big decision makers - have the power to make a difference for others.

I am blessed to see wonderful examples of this at SPAN all the time. I see the money individuals donate – sometimes in honor of a friend or family member, often in conjunction with a civic group or neighborhood event. I know the monetary donations make a huge difference for our clients with turnoff notices, as the weather is cold and BGE bills are high.

Recently, someone donating food to SPAN asked about our needs. She commented that she knew this was a rough time for many people and was trying to step up her involvement. We are thankful to all who participate in the Good Neighbors Group’s annual S(o)uper Bowl food drive. This friendly competition between neighborhoods to collect and donate to local pantries is a huge help in filling our shelves!

I notice the power we each have when I see our volunteers taking the time to listen and go the extra mile. And I notice the effort students take to create beautiful cards and birthday bags for our clients.

SPAN is a small organization, so I can observe directly the difference individuals can make. Together, with the many individuals who donate money or food, we have impacted more than 100,000 people over the last 35 years. This spring, we will celebrate the 35 years of working together with this community to help our neighbors. Mark your calendar for SPAN’s 35th birthday fest on Saturday, April 5. The celebration will have food trucks, music and games. Find more details on our website.

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 15 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 or at the Severna Park Library and Severna Park Community Center. Please “like” SPAN on Facebook.