Small Acts Of Kindness Amount To Big Impact

At the end of March, I had lunch with members of a department I worked with 25 years ago. What a blessing that coworkers and colleagues made such an impact on each other that we found a way to gather, some traveling great distances, to share a meal together after many years. In addition to working together, we laughed and cried and were there for each other through the ups and downs that life brings. Knowing our boss and coworkers had our back, we worked hard and produced great results.

Both that afternoon, and while working at SPAN, I am reminded that while we as individuals may feel powerless at times to impact the world around us, we should never forget that each of us can make a difference to the people around us. If we wonder what impact we can have as just one individual, remember we can all be a blessing for someone each day.

Every day, being at SPAN gives me the opportunity to see people making a difference. SPAN was started 35 years ago by a small group of people from six churches. They came together to provide emergency assistance to families in crisis with dignity and compassion. As we celebrate SPAN’s 35th anniversary, I have had opportunities to reflect on the many individuals whose small acts of kindness have added up to a big impact. Over the years, SPAN has assisted more than 100,000 individuals, offering critical support for food, utility bills, eviction prevention and medical needs. In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, we provided financial aid to 870 families at risk of evictions or utility turn-offs. More than 58% of those families have children.

SPAN has been able to do that because of the many individuals and groups who have done their part in making it happen. This month, Packs 918, 855, 858 and 688, along with Troops 339 and 993, helped fill our shelves with their scouting for food collections. Many times, it is individuals, such a recent donation from a teenager, who keep our shelves stocked. Lots of teens help SPAN through individual projects or larger events with their school.

The Severn School food drive is a great annual event, and recently, fifth-graders at Shipley’s Choice Elementary School put together birthday bags for our clients.

SPAN is supported by our member churches, with consistent contributions of food, money and time. Individual donations are our largest source of revenue and include several monthly donors. Many local civic groups and neighborhoods, such as Chartwell Garden Club and the Daughters of the British Empire, include contributing to SPAN with their regular events. Many local businesses make our work possible both with in-kind contributions and sponsoring our events. The individual contributions of the community come together, helping so many neighbors in need.

A huge thank you to all who make it possible for us to help our clients! I wish you could hear the sincere thank-yous that we consistently hear.

Our days are filled with opportunities to impact those around us. Although each of us is only one, we each have the power to be a blessing to someone every day, and together those positive actions can add up. As SPAN celebrates our 35th anniversary, we thank this generous community who together have made so much possible.

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. Please “like” SPAN on Facebook!